Targeting the LKB1–AMPK energy switch in certain lung cancers
Decoding And Targeting The LKB1-AMPK Signaling Pathway In Cancer
This project looks for ways to block a broken LKB1–AMPK energy switch to find better treatments for people with non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors have STK11/LKB1 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159660 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on understanding how a defective LKB1–AMPK energy sensor helps some lung cancers survive and grow, then finding ways to block that process. Researchers will decode new pieces of the LKB1 pathway and identify targets that make these tumors vulnerable. They will test candidate approaches in the lab and in preclinical models to see which strategies can stop tumor growth and overcome resistance to current treatments. The long-term aim is to develop therapies that could be moved into clinical testing for patients with STK11-mutant NSCLC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with non-small cell lung cancer whose tumors test positive for STK11/LKB1 mutations, especially those whose disease did not respond to standard chemo or immunotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients without STK11/LKB1-mutant tumors or those seeking an immediately available therapy are unlikely to benefit while the work remains in laboratory and preclinical stages.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted treatments that improve outcomes for the 15–20% of NSCLC patients with LKB1/STK11 mutations.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory studies have found metabolic weaknesses in LKB1-mutant tumors and shown promise in cell and animal models, but few targeted treatments for this subgroup have yet improved patient outcomes.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, UNITED STATES
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaw, Reuben — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Shaw, Reuben
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.