Understanding what makes small cell lung cancer spread using human stem cells
Unraveling Metastasis Drivers in Small Cell Lung Cancer via Human Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Approach
Researchers will use lung cells made from human stem cells and advanced genetic and sequencing tools to find what causes small cell lung cancer to spread, aiming to help people with SCLC.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11267980 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses human pluripotent stem cells turned into pulmonary neuroendocrine cells, which are the likely cells of origin for small cell lung cancer (SCLC). Scientists will introduce key SCLC mutations (RB1, TP53, MYC) into these cells and study how they form tumors and spread in laboratory and mouse models. The team will compare these stem-cell derived tumors with patient tumor samples and patient-derived xenografts, using single-cell sequencing and ATAC-seq to map cell states and chromatin changes linked to metastasis. Findings are intended to reveal cellular and molecular drivers that make SCLC so aggressive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with small cell lung cancer who can provide tumor tissue or participate in sample collection, including those with primary or metastatic disease, would be the most relevant participants or donors for related efforts.
Not a fit: Patients without SCLC (for example, those with other lung cancer types) or those unable to provide tumor samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participating in sample collection for this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify molecular targets and biological insights that lead to new treatments to prevent or slow metastasis in SCLC patients.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab models and patient-derived xenografts have reproduced many features of SCLC and the team’s stem cell–derived approach has produced tumor-forming cells in mice, but directly targeting the drivers of metastasis remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- University of Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Joyce Huanhuan — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Chen, Joyce Huanhuan
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.