How mis-spliced RNA can drive pancreatic and breast cancer
Project 2: Splicing Dysregulation in Cancer
This work looks at how abnormal RNA splicing in pancreatic and breast cancers could reveal new targeted treatments for people with those cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294227 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how two splicing-related proteins (SRSF1 and BCAS2) change RNA messages in pancreatic and breast tumors and drive cancer behavior. They will use lab-grown tumor organoids, genetic mouse models, and tumor samples to see which altered RNA isoforms promote tumor growth. High-throughput RNA sequencing and computational analysis will find the specific mis-spliced RNAs, and scientists will then manipulate those isoforms to test whether correcting them slows or stops tumors. The team aims to identify cancer-specific RNA targets that could be attacked by future therapies such as antisense oligonucleotides.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic cancer or basal-like (aggressive) breast cancer, especially whose tumors show splicing-factor changes like SRSF1 overexpression or mutant KRAS, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not show splicing abnormalities or people seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could point to new therapies that specifically target cancer-causing RNA isoforms, potentially improving treatment options for pancreatic and certain breast cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting splicing or specific RNA isoforms has shown promise in laboratory models and antisense drugs work for some genetic diseases, but applying these approaches to pancreatic and breast cancer remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Cold Spring Harbor, United States
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory — Cold Spring Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Krainer, Adrian R — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Krainer, Adrian R
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.