Targeting cysteine metabolism to kill small cell lung cancer cells
Official title: Modulating cysteine metabolism to induce cell death in small cell lung cancer
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10978595 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how small cell lung cancer cells, often related to smoking, use a special building block called cysteine to grow, and it aims to find new ways to make these cancer cells die by understanding their unique needs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $530,786 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA285740-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978595 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with small cell lung cancer, particularly those with neuroendocrine or non-neuroendocrine cell types.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of lung cancer or those whose cancer has progressed beyond small cell lung cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells, which are often linked to tobacco smoking, can be targeted by manipulating their unique metabolism. The study focuses on the role of cysteine, an amino acid, in the growth and survival of different SCLC cell states. By understanding how these cells utilize cysteine, researchers aim to identify new ways to induce cell death, particularly in neuroendocrine and non-neuroendocrine SCLC cells. The approach includes advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and metabolomics to uncover vulnerabilities in SCLC metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that specifically target and kill SCLC cells, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer cells, suggesting that this approach could be effective, though the specific focus on cysteine metabolism in SCLC is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dixon, Scott — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Dixon, Scott
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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.