Understanding and Targeting the LKB1-AMPK Pathway in Lung Cancer
Official title: Decoding And Targeting The LKB1-AMPK Signaling Pathway In Cancer
Funded at Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-11384611 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how the LKB1-AMPK pathway drives metabolism in lung cancer to identify new ways to treat patients with 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 start | August 1, 2017 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,140,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35CA220538-10 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384611 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with non-small cell lung cancer carrying LKB1 (STK11) mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without LKB1 mutations or those whose cancer does not rely on the LKB1-AMPK pathway may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to uncover new parts of the LKB1 tumor suppressor pathway and use that knowledge to develop therapies for about 15-20% of non-small cell lung cancers with LKB1 mutations. The research connects cancer genetics to cellular metabolism and seeks to activate or modulate AMPK-related signaling to slow cancer growth. It builds on decades of work showing LKB1’s role in energy sensing and its impact on treatment resistance, including chemotherapy and immunotherapies. The study is conducted at the Salk Institute, led by Dr. Reuben Shaw, and focuses on translating metabolic insights into potential targeted strategies for patients who currently have limited options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new metabolic-targeted treatments for patients with LKB1-mutant NSCLC.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has linked the LKB1-AMPK pathway to cancer metabolism, with ongoing efforts suggesting that metabolic targeting can influence tumor growth.
Where this research is happening
-
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.