2008 UALC
William Kim, MD
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Research Project:
The Role of HIF2 in LKB1-Defective Lung Tumors
Summary:
Multiple studies have shown that the tumor-suppressor LKB1 is inactivated in a third of NSCLCs; preclinical studies have shown inactivation of LKB1 can lead to more aggressive, metastatic tumors. Dr. Kim and his team have shown that the protein HIF is activated and necessary for growth when LKB1 is lost. Therefore, this project is further investigating the role of HIF activation in metastasis using FDA-approved HIF inhibitors.
More Content:
Final Report
Dr. Kim has found a surprising, more complex relationship between HIF2 and LKB1. Dr. Kim is continuing to study the interaction of these two proteins and how it regulates tumor growth and metastasis.
Notable Accomplishments
Dr. Kim was awarded $1,528,815 to study “Characterization and therapeutic targeting of HIF in LKB1-deficient lung cancer” from the NCI. His work was also published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Cancer Cell, and Expert Opinion on Therapeutic Targets.