Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a type of cancer caused by abnormal proliferation of cells in lung tissue. It often has no early symptoms, making early detection difficult.

JBNU Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics Professor Jeong-Yun Lee, Professor Seong-Guk Cho of Korea National University of Transportation, and Professor Sung-Kyu Ko of Kyung Hee University formed a joint research team that has drawn attention by elucidating the pathogenesis of NSCLC and identifying new therapeutic targets.

The research team announced that, through this collaborative study, they have for the first time identified the GPR54–DDC signaling axis (GPR54–Dopa Decarboxylase pathway) as a critical driver of lung cancer progression.

The results of this study were published in the world-leading international journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy (IF 52.7).

Using genetically engineered mouse models (GEMM) and analyses of lung cancer cell lines, the researchers confirmed that deletion of the GPR54 gene suppresses cancer cell survival and proliferation while promoting cell death. They also demonstrated that GPR54 activates expression of Dopa Decarboxylase (DDC) during metabolic regulation in cancer cells, forming the GPR54–DDC signaling axis that contributes to tumor growth.

In particular, based on this mechanism, the team applied a combination of agents that simultaneously inhibit GPR54 and DDC (KP234 and Carbidopa) in animal models and observed a synergistic effect in suppressing lung tumor growth. They also confirmed that combining this regimen with KRAS inhibitors (RMC-6236, Sotorasib) further enhanced therapeutic efficacy.

In this study, the JBNU Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics research team led by Professor Jeong-Yun Lee contributed to the collaboration by applying a "target gene cloning technology" developed over many years of viral genome research.

The Lee laboratory has conducted molecular-level research focused on adenoviral genomes and structural analyses. Based on this foundation, they are carrying out studies that connect basic and applied research, including structure-prediction–based interpretation of variant functions, development of novel adenoviral vectors, and establishment of production-compatible cell lines for vectors.

Leveraging this molecular-level analytical capability, graduate students from the research team received awards at the 2025 International Scientific Conference of the Korean Society for Microbiology (MSK2025): Excellent Oral Presentation Awards for evolutionary analysis of human adenovirus species D (oral presentation) and for AlphaFold-based structural specificity assessment (oral presentation), and the Best Poster Award for establishing a cell line expressing the human adenovirus D37 E1 protein. These accomplishments demonstrate that an integrated research system—from adenovirus structural analysis to vector design and production—is being established.

Meanwhile, the JBNU Institute for Molecular Biology and Genetics conducts research on a variety of pathogens—including viruses, bacteria, and fungi—based on infection biology. Leveraging its research capabilities that span diagnosis, analysis, and prevention technologies for infectious diseases, the institute actively pursues collaborative research with domestic and international researchers.