Understanding Cysteine's Role in Lung Cancer

Project 2

['FUNDING_P01'] · H. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST · NIH-11128783

This research explores how lung cancer cells depend on a molecule called cysteine to grow and survive, hoping to find new ways to stop them.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorH. LEE MOFFITT CANCER CTR & RES INST (nih funded)
Locations1 site (TAMPA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11128783 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Lung cancer cells often gather a lot of cysteine, a molecule they need for many important functions like energy and protection. We've noticed that many lung cancer cells are very sensitive if they don't get enough cysteine and can't make their own. A new enzyme called cyst(e)inase can remove cysteine from the body, which might be a promising treatment. This work aims to understand how cancer cells react when cysteine is removed and how they try to protect themselves, so we can develop more effective therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Patients with lung cancer, particularly those whose tumors might be sensitive to cysteine depletion, could potentially benefit from future therapies developed from this research.

Not a fit: Patients whose cancer cells do not rely heavily on external cysteine or have strong compensatory mechanisms might not benefit from this specific therapeutic approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that specifically target lung cancer cells by cutting off their essential supply of cysteine.

How similar studies have performed: While the cyst(e)inase enzyme is a recent development, this research builds on existing understanding of cancer cell metabolism and aims to uncover novel compensatory mechanisms.

Where this research is happening

TAMPA, 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 cell line

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.