Understanding how lung cancer spreads when a key protective protein is missing
A pro-metastatic secretory pathway activated by p53 loss in lung cancer
This project explores how lung cancer cells create a protective environment to spread, especially when a key protein called p53 is missing, hoping to find new ways to stop cancer from spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11128579 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Cancer cells build a protective environment, or 'niche,' by releasing proteins, which helps them survive and spread throughout the body. When a protective protein called p53 is lost, this protein secretion process becomes more active, helping the cancer spread even further. Researchers found that p53 loss changes a part of the cell called the Golgi apparatus, which controls how proteins are transported and secreted. They have also identified a drug that can block this specific process, which has shown promise in slowing down lung cancer growth and spread. The goal is to understand these cellular changes better and learn how the identified drug works, to develop new and effective treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with lung cancer, particularly those whose tumors have lost the p53 protein, might eventually benefit from treatments developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancer does not involve the loss of the p53 protein or who have other cancer types may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that prevent lung cancer from spreading, potentially improving the length and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific pathway being targeted is novel, preliminary findings suggest a drug can block this process and inhibit lung cancer growth and spread.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurie, Jonathan M — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Kurie, Jonathan M
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.