Understanding how cancers with specific gene changes can be treated
Project 2: Identifying Metabolic vulnerabilities and targets in cancers with mutations in hamartoma genes
This research explores how certain gene changes in cancer cells alter their metabolism, hoping to find new ways to stop their growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11168741 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have genes that, when mutated, can lead to conditions like hamartoma syndromes and various cancers. This project looks closely at how these specific gene changes (PTEN, LKB1, TSC1, TSC2) cause cancer cells to change their energy use and growth patterns. By understanding these unique metabolic "weaknesses," we hope to discover new drug targets. The goal is to gather enough information to develop new treatments that can be tested in patients whose cancers have these specific gene mutations.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers linked to mutations in hamartoma syndrome genes like PTEN, LKB1, TSC1, or TSC2 would be the focus of future clinical trials stemming from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve these specific hamartoma gene mutations may not directly benefit from treatments developed through this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, targeted drug treatments for cancers driven by specific gene mutations, potentially offering more effective options for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team successfully mapped protein kinase interactions, and this project builds on that success by applying new methods to identify metabolic enzymes.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kwiatkowski, David J. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Kwiatkowski, David J.
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.