Targeting the MOF (KAT8) protein to fight lung cancer

Targeting lysine acetyltransferase MOF/KAT8 in lung cancer

['FUNDING_R01'] · GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11245777

This project looks at changing the MOF (KAT8) protein to try to slow or stop lung cancer growth in people with lung tumors.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorGEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11245777 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers are focusing on a protein called MOF (also KAT8) that helps switch genes on and off and may affect how lung tumors grow and spread. They will use lab experiments and mouse models to see how changing MOF activity alters cancer-related gene programs such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and inflammatory signals. The team will map which genes MOF controls in lung cancer cells and test whether loss or inhibition of MOF changes tumor development. Findings could point toward new drug targets or strategies for treating lung cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with lung cancer—especially lung adenocarcinoma or tumors with molecular changes related to MOF/KAT8 pathways—would be the most relevant candidates for future therapies stemming from this work.

Not a fit: Patients without lung cancer or whose tumors do not depend on MOF-related biology are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify a new target that leads to treatments that slow tumor growth or reduce spread in some lung cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Other therapies that alter protein acetylation (like HDAC inhibitors) have shown clinical activity in some cancers, but targeting MOF/KAT8 is a newer and less-tested approach.

Where this research is happening

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancer Prognosis, Cancer Treatment, Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.