NIH-funded research R01 grant

How collagen affects the growth and metabolism of pancreatic cancer.

Official title: Collagen fibers and fragments regulate pancreatic cancer metabolism and growth.

Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11045786 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how different parts of collagen, a protein in our bodies, affect the growth of pancreatic cancer cells, and it aims to find new ways to help improve treatment for patients with this type of cancer.

More Pancreatic Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Diego
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project startMarch 1, 2024
Project endFebruary 28, 2029
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$639,881
NIH project number5R01CA285997-02
Project IDNIH-11045786 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of cancer or those without pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of collagen fibers and their fragments in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of pancreatic cancer. It aims to understand how these collagen components interact with cancer cells and influence their growth and metabolism. By using preclinical models and clinical specimens, the study will explore the contrasting effects of intact collagen fibers versus cleaved collagen fragments on cancer progression. The findings could provide insights into potential therapeutic strategies for improving patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment approaches that enhance survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • University of California, San Diego
    La Jolla, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Karin, Michael — University of California, San Diego
  • Study coordinator: Karin, Michael

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.