How a specific protein affects the immune response in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Impact of CREB-driven mechanism in shaping the tumor-immune landscape
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10994144 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called CREB affects pancreatic cancer and its ability to hide from the immune system, with the goal of finding ways to shrink tumors and make cancer treatments work better by boosting the body's immune response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $357,796 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA262526-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10994144 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may benefit from novel immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the cyclic AMP Response Element Binding protein (CREB) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of cancer known for its resistance to treatment. The study aims to understand how CREB influences the tumor microenvironment and immune response, particularly focusing on a cytokine called leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) that may help tumors evade immune detection. By inhibiting CREB, researchers hope to reduce tumor growth and enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy by reactivating T cells that fight cancer. The approach includes advanced sequencing techniques to analyze the interactions between tumor cells and immune cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer by enhancing their immune response against tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nagathihalli, Nagaraj S. — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Nagathihalli, Nagaraj S.
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.