Blocking cysteine entry to trigger death of pancreatic cancer cells
Targeting cysteine import to induce ferroptotic cell death in pancreatic cancer
This project looks at whether keeping pancreatic tumors from taking in the amino acid cysteine can force cancer cells to die, which could help people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285377 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, this research focuses on cutting off the tumor's supply of the amino acid cysteine so cancer cells undergo ferroptosis, a form of oxidative cell death. The team used lab-grown pancreatic cancer cells and mouse tumor models and blocked cysteine uptake using genetic tools and drugs, and also studied related molecules like coenzyme A. They showed cysteine depletion can selectively kill pancreatic tumor cells in animals and are extending that work to understand which tumors respond best and to develop drug approaches that might translate to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially tumors that depend on cysteine import or have the common genetic drivers of this cancer.
Not a fit: People with other types of cancer or whose tumors do not rely on cysteine import are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new way to kill pancreatic tumor cells by making them vulnerable to oxidative damage and lead to novel therapies for pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that inducing ferroptosis by limiting cysteine can kill cancer cells in lab and animal models, but this strategy remains experimental and unproven in patients.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olive, Kenneth P. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Olive, Kenneth P.
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.