How immune cells cause pancreatic cells to change and start cancer
Mechanisms of myeloid cell driven pancreatic plasticity and carcinogenesis
This project looks at how certain immune cells around the pancreas help normal pancreatic cells change into early cancer, with the goal of finding ways to stop that process.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256762 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use genetically engineered mice that carry the KRAS mutation commonly seen in human pancreatic cancer to watch how pancreatic cells change and how surrounding myeloid immune cells influence that process. They will study different myeloid cell types — including macrophages, granulocytes, and immature myeloid cells — to see when these cells promote tissue repair versus when they push cells toward cancer. The team will examine signals exchanged between tumor cells and myeloid cells and track how acinar cells dedifferentiate into duct-like, progenitor states that are vulnerable to transformation. Findings are meant to point to specific molecules or pathways that could be targeted to prevent or slow early pancreatic cancer development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with or at high risk for pancreatic cancer — for example those with precancerous PanIN lesions, known KRAS-associated risk, or strong family history — would be most relevant to the goals of this work.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic disease or with unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic science project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify immune-related targets that lead to new ways to prevent or treat early pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies have shown that myeloid cells influence pancreatic cancer development, but turning those findings into proven human treatments remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pasca Di Magliano, Marina — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Pasca Di Magliano, Marina
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 below.