Targeting Jumonji enzymes in small cell lung cancer
Jumonji KDM4A drives targetable oncogenic programs in small cell lung cancer
Researchers are trying drugs that block Jumonji enzymes to slow or overcome treatment-resistant small cell lung cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11310111 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses laboratory cells and animal models to test new drugs that block Jumonji family enzymes thought to drive small cell lung cancer. The team has developed Jumonji enzyme inhibitors with proven effects in animals and will explore using them as first-line therapy or as second-line options after chemotherapy fails. They will also test combinations with other drugs, such as mTOR inhibitors, guided by observed tumor gene activity. The goal is to find approaches that work against tumors that quickly become resistant to current treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a diagnosis of small cell lung cancer, especially those whose tumors have become resistant to standard chemotherapy, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with non-small cell lung cancers or tumors not driven by Jumonji-related biology are unlikely to benefit from these specific inhibitors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new targeted treatment option for people with small cell lung cancer, including cases that are resistant to standard chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in cells and animal models support targeting Jumonji enzymes, but these inhibitors have little established track record yet in human small cell lung cancer trials.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Elisabeth D — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Elisabeth D
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.