Blocking a protein signal that fuels pancreas inflammation and cancer risk
Structure-based inhibition of chemokine signaling in the inflamed pancreas
The team looks for small drug-like molecules that block a protein called CCL28 to help people with long-lasting pancreas inflammation and lower their chance of developing pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11248802 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on a protein called CCL28 that may drive long-term inflammation in the pancreas and help pre-cancerous changes take hold. Researchers will map exactly how CCL28 interacts with its receptor (CCR10) using lab techniques and computer modeling. They will use lab-grown cells and animal models of chronic pancreatitis to screen and test small molecules that can block this signal. Promising compounds would be advanced toward further testing and could eventually be combined with existing chemotherapy or immunotherapy approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic pancreatitis or those considered at high risk for pancreatic cancer would be the most relevant candidates for eventual trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People whose pancreas problems are caused by unrelated conditions or those with very advanced metastatic pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this early-stage research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medicines that reduce harmful pancreas inflammation, lower progression to pancreatic cancer, and improve responses to other cancer treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies have linked CCL28 to tumor-promoting inflammation, but developing small-molecule inhibitors against this chemokine is a relatively new and unproven approach in patients.
Where this research is happening
Milwaukee, United States
- Medical College of Wisconsin — Milwaukee, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Volkman, Brian F — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Volkman, Brian F
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.