Different forms of the ECT2 gene in pancreatic cancer
ECT2 Isoform Switch in Pancreatic Cancer.
This work looks at whether a specific version of the ECT2 gene drives pancreatic cancer and could help identify more aggressive tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235945 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare two ECT2 RNA variants in pancreas tumor samples and precancerous lesions to see which form is more common in cancer. They will measure the ratio of the ECT2-Ex4+ and ECT2-Ex4- forms in patient tissues and cell lines and relate those ratios to clinical outcomes. Laboratory experiments in pancreatic cells (and likely animal models) will test how the Exon 4–containing form changes cell signaling, growth, and spread. The team will use molecular and antibody-based tools to define whether the Ex4+ form acts like an oncogene and could be used as a biomarker or therapeutic target.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or those with precursor pancreatic lesions who can provide tissue samples or be considered for future trials.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic disease or with unrelated cancers are unlikely to see direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify a biomarker that predicts aggressive pancreatic cancer and point to a new target for treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Using RNA splice variants as biomarkers has shown promise in other cancers, but targeting the ECT2-Ex4+ isoform in pancreatic cancer is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Jacksonville, United States
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville — Jacksonville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Justilien, Verline — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Justilien, Verline
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.