How dietary fats affect the development of pancreatic cancer
Official title: Impact of dietary lipids on pancreas cancer initiation and progression
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10973509 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different types of fats in our diet might affect the growth of pancreatic cancer, using mice to see how high-fat diets could influence cancer development, which could help us understand how what we eat might impact cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $257,709 |
| NIH project number | 1UH2CA286583-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973509 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at high risk for pancreatic cancer, such as those with a family history of the disease or obesity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have risk factors for pancreatic cancer or those with advanced stages of the disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between dietary lipids and the initiation and progression of pancreatic cancer, specifically focusing on how high-fat diets may influence tumor development. Using a mouse model, the study examines the effects of different types of dietary fats on pancreatic cells and their potential to promote cancer. Researchers will analyze changes in gene expression and metabolism in pancreatic cells to understand the biological mechanisms involved. The findings could provide insights into how diet impacts cancer risk and progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that help reduce the risk of pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary factors can influence cancer development, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christofk, Heather — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Christofk, Heather
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How different dietary fats affect pancreatic cancer start and growth
This project looks at whether specific kinds of high-fat diets speed up or slow the start and growth of pancreatic cancer to help people at risk understand dietary effects.
-
Immune signals that make pancreatic cancer more stem‑like and aggressive
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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.