2013 UALC
Takeshi Shimamura, PhD
Loyola University Chicago
Research Project:
BET bromodomain inhibitor resistance in LKB1 deficient mutant KRAS NSCLC
Summary:
Between 15 – 30% of patients with NSCLC have tumors driven by the KRAS oncogene. Dr. Shimamura is focusing on two related proteins, LKB1 and Myc, regulating growth in tumors with KRAS mutations. His team will be investigating a new epigenetic drug that targets many Myc-related genes, and analyzing how LKB1 and KRAS signaling affects tumor responses to this drug. Using preclinical models, Dr. Shimamura will develop strategies to overcome resistance to this drug in mutant KRAS NSCLC with LKB1 mutations, guiding translation to early-stage clinical trials.