Project description
New strategy for patients with treatment-resistant lung cancer
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with KEAP1 mutations has a poor prognosis and resists standard therapies. These cancer cells rely on exporting the toxic metabolite sulphite, which creates a therapeutic target. Researchers discovered the SLC26A6 transporter, which led to the development of SulfExstatin1, an inhibitor that blocks sulphite export. This drug selectively targets KEAP1-mutant NSCLC cells while sparing normal cells. The ERC-funded SulFex project aims to develop a strategy targeting sulphite metabolism in KEAP1-mutant NSCLC and similar cancer subtypes. It will optimise SulfExstatin1 and related inhibitors while evaluating their effectiveness through biochemical assays and in vivo models. The project will also translate this approach into clinical applications for patients with treatment-resistant lung cancer.
Objective
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring KEAP1 mutations is associated with a poor prognosis and resistance to conventional therapies. However, KEAP1/NRF2 dysregulation induces metabolic reprogramming, which can be exploited for therapeutic benefit. Our research has uncovered that these cells produce and accumulate high levels of sulfur-containing compounds, a metabolic vulnerability in these cancer cells. To maintain cellular homeostasis and survival, these cells rely on the active export of the toxic metabolite sulfite, presenting a unique therapeutic opportunity.
During our ERC Consolidator project, we identified the solute carrier protein SLC26A6 as a transporter of selenite and related anions, including sulfite. We then developed SulfExstatin1, a first-in-class small molecule inhibitor that effectively inhibits human SLC26A6 and blocks sulfite export. By targeting this essential detoxification mechanism, SulfExstatin1 selectively impairs the growth and survival of KEAP1-mutant NSCLC cells while sparing normal cells, thereby minimizing off-target toxicity. Our preliminary studies demonstrate strong efficacy in cell culture, underscoring the potential of this approach as a novel treatment strategy for this aggressive cancer type.
Building on these findings, we propose to establish an innovative approach targeting sulfite metabolism in KEAP1-mutant NSCLC and other cancer subtypes with similar metabolic dependencies. This project will involve optimizing SulfExstatin1 and related inhibitors, characterizing their mechanisms of action, and evaluating their efficacy in biochemical assays and in vivo models. Furthermore, we plan to establish a patent framework to protect the intellectual property arising from this project. Ultimately, our goal is to translate this metabolic-targeting strategy into clinical applications, offering new hope for patients with this treatment-resistant lung cancer.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- medical and health sciences clinical medicine oncology lung cancer
- natural sciences biological sciences biochemistry biomolecules proteins
- natural sciences biological sciences genetics mutation
- medical and health sciences basic medicine physiology homeostasis
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Programme(s)
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Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
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Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-ERC-POC - HORIZON ERC Proof of Concept Grants
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Call for proposal
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(opens in new window) ERC-2025-POC
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97070 Wuerzburg
Germany
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