Sending a broccoli-derived compound into lung cancer cell powerhouses
Targeting phenethyl isothiocyanate to mitochondria in lung carcinogenesis
Researchers are trying to stop lung tumors from starting and spreading by delivering a broccoli-derived compound into cancer cells' mitochondria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Methodist Hospital Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257287 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project works with PEITC, a natural molecule found in cruciferous vegetables, that can disrupt cancer cell energy use. Scientists are attaching a targeting tag so PEITC is carried directly into mitochondria, the cell's energy centers, to boost its cancer-blocking effects. Most experiments use lung cancer cells in the lab and mouse models to see if this targeted form (Mito-PEITC) better prevents tumors and their spread. The team will study exactly how the treatment changes energy production and causes cancer cells to die.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at high risk for lung cancer or those with early-stage lung cancer would be the most likely candidates for future trials based on this approach.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced, widespread metastatic lung cancer or other unrelated cancers may not benefit from this preventive-focused approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If it works, this approach could lead to new preventive measures or treatments that block lung cancer growth by cutting off cancer cells' energy.
How similar studies have performed: PEITC has reduced cancer development in animal studies, and early lab and mouse data suggest mitochondria-targeted PEITC is more potent, but human testing of this targeted approach is new.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Methodist Hospital Research Institute — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: You, Ming — Methodist Hospital Research Institute
- Study coordinator: You, Ming
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.