What controls cell identity in lung adenocarcinoma

Transcriptional Regulation of Lung Cancer Identity

NIH-funded research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11235929

This project looks at how specific genes and cancer signals change the identity and behavior of lung adenocarcinoma cells to help people with this cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUtah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11235929 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you have lung adenocarcinoma, this research aims to explain why tumor cells take on different identities that affect prognosis and treatment response. The team will use genetically engineered mice, lab-grown organoids (mini-tumors), patient-derived tumor grafts and cell lines to model those identities. They will focus on gene regulators such as FoxA1/2 and NKX2-1 and test clinically relevant drugs that alter signaling pathways. Findings are meant to point toward ways to make tumors more treatable or prevent drug resistance.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with lung adenocarcinoma who can provide tumor tissue (for example at surgery or biopsy) for research use would be the ideal contributors to this work.

Not a fit: Patients without lung adenocarcinoma or those unable or unwilling to provide tumor tissue are unlikely to see a direct benefit from participating.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could lead to new ways to steer tumor cells into states that respond better to treatment or avoid resistance.

How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown that lineage factors like NKX2-1 and FoxA proteins shape lung tumor behavior, but turning those findings into patient therapies is still early.

Where this research is happening

Salt Lake City, 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.
Conditions Cancer CauseCancer Etiology
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.