Targeting SMARCA2 to treat lung cancers that lack SMARCA4
Targeting SMARCA2 in SMARCA4-deficient lung cancers in vivo
This work looks at whether blocking a protein called SMARCA2 can slow or stop lung cancers that have lost the related gene SMARCA4.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11304485 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use genetically engineered mouse models that mirror human SMARCA4-deficient lung adenocarcinoma to study tumor behavior. They will apply newer drugs called PROTAC degraders to selectively remove SMARCA2 and observe effects on tumor growth, spread, and survival. Molecular tests including ATAC-seq will measure changes in chromatin accessibility and gene regulation after SMARCA2 loss. The team will combine tumor measurements and molecular data to understand whether SMARCA2 targeting can selectively harm cancer cells while sparing normal tissue.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with non-small cell lung adenocarcinoma whose tumors show loss-of-function SMARCA4 alterations would be the most relevant candidates for future trials based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors retain functional SMARCA4 or who have other lung cancer subtypes are unlikely to benefit from SMARCA2-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this line of work could lead to a new targeted therapy for patients with SMARCA4-deficient lung adenocarcinoma that slows tumor growth and improves outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Cell-based experiments and early drug-development work suggest SMARCA2 inhibition can kill SMARCA4-deficient cancer cells, but robust in vivo proof and clinical evidence remain limited.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Concepcion, Carla P — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Concepcion, Carla P
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.