How serine codons help pancreatic tumors survive
Elucidating The Adaptive Role Of Serine Codons During Pancreatic Tumorigenesis
['FUNDING_R37'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11473213
This project looks at how changes in the genetic 'serine' code help pancreatic cancer cells survive low‑nutrient conditions and aims to find ways to block that for people with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11473213 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As someone affected by pancreatic cancer, you should know researchers are studying how specific serine codons in the genetic code change which proteins tumor cells make when nutrients are scarce. They will use lab models, CRISPR‑based gene screens, and tumor experiments to find which codons alter protein production and help cancer cells adapt. The team will test ways to stop those codon‑specific translation changes so tumors cannot activate multiple survival pathways in serine‑poor environments. These lab findings could point to new drug targets or dietary strategies to weaken pancreatic tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma would be the people most likely to benefit from therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or whose tumors do not depend on serine‑related translation pathways are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets or strategies to make pancreatic tumors less able to survive and respond better to treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab and animal studies show serine restriction can slow pancreatic tumor growth, but targeting codon‑specific translation is a newer and less tested approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: BANH, ROBERT SINGHUNG — NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: BANH, ROBERT SINGHUNG
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.
Conditions: Cancer Patient, Cancers