How metabolic regulation affects immune cells in pancreatic cancer.
Official title: Metabolic regulation of immunosuppressive myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer.
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11064902 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in metabolism affect immune cells that can make it harder for the body to fight pancreatic cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for patients.
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 start | April 2, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $667,601 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA290780-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064902 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of metabolic regulation in immune cells within the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic cancer. It focuses on understanding how certain immune cells, which suppress the body's ability to fight cancer, can be influenced by metabolic changes. By studying the effects of specific genes and metabolites on these immune cells, the research aims to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved immunotherapy options for pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective immunotherapy treatments for pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in enhancing immunotherapy effectiveness in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Yaqing — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Yaqing
Related research
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Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A patient-friendly look at a study using tiny blood-based RNA markers inside exosomes to catch pancreatic cancer early without invasive procedures.
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A patient-facing program will explore a safe, implantable living material that delivers sequential immunotherapies directly to pancreatic tumors to help fight cancer.
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Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
A study exploring whether blocking the interaction between platelets and pancreatic cancer cells could slow cancer growth and spread and help identify new biomarkers.
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.