How collagen signaling affects pancreatic cancer progression

Collagen Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer

NIH-funded research Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11076669

This study is looking at how a protein called DDR1 interacts with collagen in pancreatic cancer to understand how it helps the cancer grow and spread, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this tough disease and improve outcomes for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionHenry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-11076669 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of collagen signaling in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a deadly form of cancer. It focuses on a specific receptor, Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1), which interacts with collagen to influence cancer growth and spread. By using advanced techniques to analyze signaling pathways in cancer cells, the study aims to identify new targets for treatment that could inhibit tumor progression and metastasis. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective therapies for this aggressive cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with advanced disease.

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

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that significantly improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting collagen signaling pathways in cancer, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, 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.
Conditions Cancer CauseCancer Etiologycancer metastasiscancer microenvironmentcancer progression
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.