Investigating how cholesterol metabolism affects cancer treatment
Targeting cholesterol metabolism and replication stress response in cancer therapy
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme related to cholesterol, called squalene epoxidase (SQLE), might help make current lung cancer treatments work better by making cancer cells more sensitive to certain drugs being tested, and it's aimed at helping people with non-small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11006359 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which is a leading cause of cancer deaths. The study aims to explore the role of cholesterol metabolism, specifically the enzyme squalene epoxidase (SQLE), in enhancing the effectiveness of existing cancer therapies that target replication stress response pathways. By inhibiting SQLE, researchers hope to increase the sensitivity of cancer cells to ATR and CHK1 inhibitors, which are currently being tested in clinical trials. The approach involves laboratory experiments to determine the combined effects of these inhibitors on NSCLC cells with varying levels of SQLE expression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those with high levels of squalene epoxidase expression.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of lung cancer or those who do not express high levels of squalene epoxidase may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for patients with non-small cell lung cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting metabolic pathways in cancer therapy, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Junran — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Junran
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.