Targeting tumor and immune cell metabolism in lung cancer
Official title: ULK Inhibition Rewires Tumor and Immune Cell Metabolism
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11063319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blocking a certain protein in lung cancer cells can change how both the cancer and immune cells use nutrients, especially in patients with KRAS mutations, to help boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $730,407 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA297993-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063319 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, especially those with KRAS mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung cancer types that do not involve KRAS mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how inhibiting a specific protein, ULK1, can alter the metabolism of both tumor cells and immune cells in lung cancer, particularly in cases with KRAS mutations. The study aims to develop a new, potent small molecule inhibitor that can effectively block autophagy, a process that allows cancer cells to thrive under nutrient stress. By understanding how nutrient availability affects immune cell function, the research seeks to enhance anti-tumor immunity and improve treatment outcomes for patients. The approach combines advanced metabolic profiling techniques to assess changes in both tumor and immune cell metabolism.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for lung cancer, particularly for patients with KRAS mutations, by improving anti-tumor immune responses.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting autophagy in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in therapy.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mackeigan, Jeffrey Paul — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mackeigan, Jeffrey Paul
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.