Targeting EGFR and HER2 to overcome lung cancer drug resistance
Targeted Degradation of EGFR and HER2 in NSCLC
This project is exploring a new way to break down specific proteins, EGFR and HER2, in lung cancer cells to help overcome resistance to current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141019 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) experience their treatments becoming less effective over time due to drug resistance. This resistance often involves proteins called EGFR and HER2, which are frequently overactive or mutated in these cancers. Our team has discovered a new protein, PEPDG278D, that can break down both normal and mutated forms of EGFR and HER2. We believe that directly degrading these proteins could be a more powerful strategy than simply blocking their activity, especially in cancers that no longer respond to current medications. This work aims to develop more effective treatments for NSCLC patients facing drug resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant for patients with non-small cell lung cancer, particularly those whose tumors have become resistant to existing EGFR-targeting medications.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer is not non-small cell lung cancer or does not involve EGFR or HER2 proteins may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide new and more effective treatment options for patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have developed resistance to current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds on recent discoveries by the research team showing promising early results in laboratory models, suggesting this targeted degradation approach is a novel strategy.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yuesheng — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yuesheng
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.