Finding ways to make pancreatic cancer more responsive to paclitaxel treatment

Targeting MARK2-HDAC signaling to overcome paclitaxel resistance in pancreatic cancer

NIH-funded research University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-10926948

This study is looking at why pancreatic cancer cells sometimes don't respond to the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel, focusing on a protein called MARK2, to find better ways to make the treatment work for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project IDNIH-10926948 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how pancreatic cancer cells can become resistant to the chemotherapy drug paclitaxel. The team is focusing on a specific protein called MARK2, which plays a role in how these cancer cells respond to treatment. By understanding the mechanisms behind this resistance, the researchers aim to identify new strategies to enhance the effectiveness of paclitaxel. The approach includes laboratory experiments that analyze the interactions between MARK2 and other proteins involved in cancer cell survival and drug sensitivity.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are undergoing treatment with paclitaxel.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not receiving paclitaxel may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with pancreatic cancer who currently do not respond well to paclitaxel.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways to overcome drug resistance in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Oklahoma City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
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Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.