Kathryn A. O'Donnell, PhD

Research Project:
Targeting Lactate in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Grant Awarded:

Lung Cancer Discovery Award

Research Topics:

basic biologic mechanisms
combination therapies experimental therapeutics

Research Diseases:

bronchopulmonary dysplasia
lung cancer

The chemical lactate serves as a fuel in normal tissue and in cancer. Our research suggests that targeting how cancer cells make or transport lactate could be a useful way to treat lung cancer. We used a screening method on human lung epithelial cells to find new genes that help drive lung cancer. One of the genes we found is TMPRSS11B, which makes a protein found on the surface of cells. This gene is more active in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) than in normal lung epithelial cells and higher levels of it are linked to worse survival in lung cancer patients. When we increased TMPRSS11B in LUSC cells, their ability to form tumors grew. When we reduced it, tumor growth slowed down. TMPRSS11B also helped the cells get rid of lactate more effectively, which supported tumor growth. We will continue to investigate the role of lactate metabolism in LUSC.

Courtney Cox Cole Lung Cancer Research Award

Page last updated: October 29, 2025

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