Targeting LSD1 to prevent early oral cancers from getting worse
Official title: Mechanism of LSD1 Function and Its Therapeutic Application for Progressive Oral Malignancy
Funded at Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11301858 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Seeing if blocking a protein called LSD1 can stop precancerous mouth lesions and early oral cancers from becoming invasive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston University Medical Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $411,444 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE031413-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11301858 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with precancerous oral lesions (dysplasia) or early-stage oral squamous cell carcinoma, especially on the tongue, are the most likely candidates to benefit from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced, widely metastatic oral cancer or tumors that do not depend on LSD1-related pathways are less likely to receive direct benefit.
What this research studies
This work looks at how the protein LSD1 helps mouth cells progress from precancerous changes to invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma. Researchers use lab methods and animal models and are testing a topical LSD1 blocker applied during dysplasia to prevent progression. They are mapping which cells are affected and how LSD1 connects to inflammatory and immune signals, and are testing combinations with YAP inhibitors or anti‑PD‑1/PD‑L1 treatments. The goal is to develop targeted or topical options that could keep early lesions from turning into full-blown cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to topical or combination treatments that stop precancerous mouth lesions from becoming invasive and improve response to immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical animal and laboratory studies have shown promising prevention and sensitization effects with LSD1 inhibition, but this approach has not yet been tested in people.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston University Medical Campus
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bais, Manish — Boston University Medical Campus
- Study coordinator: Bais, Manish
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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.