How collagen signaling affects pancreatic cancer progression
Official title: Collagen Signaling in Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11076669 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $608,784 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281198-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11076669 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with advanced disease.
✕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 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.
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 gone: 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
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Crawford, Howard C. — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Crawford, Howard C.
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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.