How RBFOX2 changes affect pancreatic cancer behavior
RBFOX2 deregulation promotes pancreatic cancer progression through alternative splicing
This project looks at whether changes in a gene-processing protein called RBFOX2 make pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma more aggressive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306626 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The research team will study tumor samples, cell lines, and mouse models to see how loss of RBFOX2 changes RNA splicing in pancreatic cancer. They will focus on a specific splice form called ABI1∆Ex9 and use proteomics to find the protein partners and modifications that help this splice form drive invasion. They will also examine sets of exon-skipping events linked to stem-cell–like traits and tumor differentiation to see how these changes affect disease progression. The work combines genome-wide screens, molecular lab techniques, and animal models to trace how splicing changes may lead to more metastatic pancreatic cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma—especially those with poorly differentiated or advanced disease—would be the most relevant candidates for future sample donation or trials based on this work.
Not a fit: People with other cancers, non-PDAC pancreatic conditions, or early-stage localized tumors may not see direct benefit from these specific findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or biomarkers to help stop or slow pancreatic cancer spread.
How similar studies have performed: Therapies targeting RNA splicing or using antisense oligonucleotides have shown promise in other conditions, but applying this approach to RBFOX2 in pancreatic cancer is a newer and less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mann, Karen M — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Mann, Karen M
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.