Targeting glutamine addiction in KRAS and KEAP1/NRF2-mutant lung cancer
Investigating the therapeutic potential of a novel glutamine antagonist in KEAP1 mutant lung cancer
A new drug that blocks cancer cells from using glutamine is being tested for people with KRAS-driven lung adenocarcinoma who also have KEAP1 or NRF2 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11232324 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use lab-grown human tumor samples and genetically engineered mouse models that mimic KRAS-driven, KEAP1-mutant lung adenocarcinoma to see whether a novel glutamine-blocking drug can slow tumor growth. They will create and use CRISPR-modified models to study how loss of KEAP1 makes tumors dependent on glutamine and to find the metabolic weaknesses those tumors have. The team will test the glutamine antagonist alone and in combination with other clinically relevant drugs to look for stronger responses. They will also search for molecular markers that could help identify which patients are most likely to benefit.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be patients with KRAS-mutant lung adenocarcinoma whose tumors also carry KEAP1 or NRF2 mutations.
Not a fit: People whose lung cancers lack KRAS and KEAP1/NRF2 mutations are unlikely to benefit from a glutamine-targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to a new targeted therapy approach for people whose lung tumors have KRAS plus KEAP1/NRF2 mutations.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown KEAP1-mutant tumor cells rely on glutamine and can be sensitive to glutamine blockade, but this approach remains experimental and is not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Papagiannakopoulos, Thales — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Papagiannakopoulos, Thales
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.