Targeting cysteine metabolism to kill small cell lung cancer cells
Modulating cysteine metabolism to induce cell death in small cell lung cancer
This work explores how to stop the growth and cause the death of small cell lung cancer cells by focusing on their unique energy 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 ID | NIH-11143858 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Small cell lung cancer is a very aggressive form of lung cancer, and current treatments often don't work well for long. This project looks at how these cancer cells use a specific nutrient called cysteine to grow and survive. Researchers have found that different types of small cell lung cancer cells rely on cysteine in different ways. By understanding these differences, we hope to find new weaknesses in these cancer cells that can be targeted to make them die.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is focused on understanding the biology of small cell lung cancer, particularly those with different cell states.
Not a fit: Patients currently seeking direct clinical treatment would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatment strategies that specifically target small cell lung cancer cells, potentially improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting cysteine metabolism in a cell-state-dependent manner for SCLC is novel, other studies have explored metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dixon, Scott — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Dixon, Scott
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.