Stopping radiation resistance by targeting sugar-related protein changes in the tumor environment
Exploring O-glycoproteomics to prevent metabolic radioresistance in the tumor microenvironment
This project looks at sugar-driven protein changes in tumors and nearby support cells to help stop cancer from becoming resistant to radiation for people with solid tumors such as lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330168 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map which proteins gain O-glycosylation when tumors and nearby cancer-associated fibroblasts shift their metabolism toward the Hexosamine Biosynthesis Pathway (HBP). They will use mixed tumor‑stroma lab models and advanced proteomics to identify the O-glycoproteins produced by that metabolic change. The team will test which of those protein changes make cells resistant to radiation and which can be blocked to restore sensitivity. The goal is to find targets or biomarkers in the tumor microenvironment that could improve radiotherapy outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with solid tumors who are receiving or are candidates for radiotherapy — especially patients with lung adenocarcinoma — would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not treated with radiation, such as many blood cancers, or those not eligible for tumor-directed radiotherapy may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help make radiotherapy more effective by preventing or reversing tumor radioresistance, potentially improving local control and survival.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked altered glycosylation and the HBP to worse outcomes and therapy resistance, but mapping the O-glycoproteome in the tumor microenvironment and targeting those changes is a novel, largely preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bouchard, Gina — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bouchard, Gina
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.