Ohio State University-Main Campus · Biomedical EngineeringThe Hypoxia Therapeutics Lab
Nicholas C. Denko · Columbus, Ohio
Research Focus
Dr. Nicholas C. Denko's lab focuses on improving treatments for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by addressing the challenge of tumor hypoxia. They explore how reducing oxygen demand in tumors can enhance the effects of existing therapies like radiation and immunotherapy. The lab investigates novel derivatives of papaverine, an FDA-approved drug, to assess their potential in overcoming resistance to these treatments.
lung cancerhypoxiaimmunotherapymitochondrial metabolismradiation therapyoncogenic pathwayspapaverinetumor microenvironmentT cell activationcancer therapeutics
Research Aims
3AIM 01Investigate the dependence of tumor cells on mitochondrial function and their response to papaverine in hypoxic conditions.
AIM 02Examine how tumor hypoxia affects T-cell migration and activation in model tumors and the subsequent immune changes after PPV treatment.
AIM 03Conduct a phase 1 clinical trial to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of adding PPV to standard therapy for advanced NSCLC.
Skills the Lab Values
cell culturemouse modelsflow cytometryWestern blotRNA sequencingmagnetic resonance imaging (MRI)chemotherapyimmunophenotypingdata analysisclinical trial design
Output against the department
Publications424top 21% of dept.126th of 595
this lab
most publishedleast published
Citations13ktop 27% of dept.160th of 595
this lab
most citedleast cited
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