Funded Projects

Transcription factors are specialized proteins that translate the DNA footprint of cells to make RNA, which eventually helps to make proteins. Dr. Blancafort plans to use artificial transcription factors (ATFs) to identify and regulate genes involved in lung cancer disease progression. This research will lead to the identification of new markers of progression that could be used as early predictors of lung cancer.

Dr. Dang is studying the anti-tumor effect of gamma-secretases inhibitors, compounds that inhibit activation of the Notch pathway that is active in lung cancer cells. She is studying its effect both alone and in combination with traditional chemotherapy and targeted therapy.

Dr. González Santamaria is investigating how the degradation of certain tumor suppressors (genes that stop cancer development) is accelerated and how that of certain onco-proteins (proteins that cause cancer) is slowed down in lung tumors. Her research will provide a platform for predicting the outcome for lung cancer patients.

Dr. Haura’s hypothesis is that the tyrosine kinase SRC and the protein Stat3 are ideal targets for cancer therapy in lifelong non-smokers who develop lung cancer resulting from EGFR mutations. He is conducting experiments to demonstrate that inhibitors of SRC and/or Stat3 can kill cancer cells. Such inhibitors may have additive effect when used in connection with EGFR inhibitors such as gefitinib or erlotinib.

Dr. Meyerson is exploring how a mutation in the EGFR cells can lead to cancer as well as what the mechanisms are for acquired resistance to EGFR therapies.

Dr. Powell is identifying and characterizing molecular changes that are important in lung adenocarcinoma differentiation (changes in cancer cell shape and size) and invasiveness (ability to spread to other parts of the body). His long-term goal is to use these biomarkers to facilitate early diagnosis, refine prognostic assessment, and develop new therapeutic targets for lung cancer treatment and prevention.

By modeling acquired resistance to gefitinib and erlotinib in the laboratory using a non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell line that is sensitive to these drugs, Dr. Sharma hopes to uncover the molecular basis for acquired resistance of NSCLC to these targeted therapeutics as well as clues to overcoming this resistance.

Dr. Verghese is determining the roles of prostatin and its inhibitor, placental bikunin, in regulating the spread of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to other parts of the body; his research may identify new tumor markers and therapeutic targets.

Dr. Ma has identified mutations in the protein c-Met that may provide lung tumor cells the ability to metastasize. Dr. Ma is studying the role of c-Met and its genetic alterations in lung adenocarcinoma to better understand their functional implications.

Dr. Pao’s research may determine whether specific mutations in tyrosine kinase genes make lung tumors vulnerable to EGFR-TKIs. A comprehensive analysis of the tyrosine kinase in lung cancers could also lead to new opportunities for drug development and more personalized molecularly targeted therapies.

Angiogenesis is the process by which cancer cells recruit blood vessels to the tumor. This aids the growth of cancer cells by providing nutrition and oxygen to them. Dr. Vlahakis is studying how a protein called VEGF-A interacts with certain proteins expressed on the surface of lung cells to control the angiogenesis process.

Agents that activate the PPARgamma protein have already been used  in the treatment of diabetes and atherosclerosis. Dr. Keshamouni is researching whether and how they affect the growth of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells.

Cancer cells develop resistance to chemotherapy drugs by 1) making proteins that neutralize the effects of chemotherapy (through a protein called Bcl-2) and 2) developing pumping systems that expel the drugs out of the cells (through a protein called MRP). Dr. Minko is studying how stopping the Bcl2 and MRP proteins will make lung cancer cells more sensitive to chemotherapy drugs.

Bexarotene is a synthetic form of retinoid acid (Vitamin A) that has the potential for use in lung cancer chemoprevention. Dr. Petty is conducting a clinical trial with a treatment combination of bexarotene and erlotinib (Tarceva) in EGFR-positive patients who have metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). He is also evaluating biomarkers that will predict response to the combination regimen.

Tests that improve the ability to detect tumors at their earliest stages have the potential to reduce lung cancer mortality. Dr. Doerr developed three fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) probe sets for the detection of lung cancer in cell specimens. His research is assessing the reliability of these probe sets and routine cell examination for the detection of lung cancer in cell specimens obtained from bronchoscopy.