How serine-related genetic codes help pancreatic cancer survive
Elucidating The Adaptive Role Of Serine Codons During Pancreatic Tumorigenesis
['FUNDING_R37'] · NEW YORK UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE · NIH-11289390
Looks at whether pancreatic tumors change how they read serine-related genetic codes to survive low-nutrient environments and whether blocking those changes could help 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-11289390 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers are studying how pancreatic cancer cells change their protein-making process when serine is scarce and how that helps tumors adapt and grow. They will use lab models and genetic screening tools to focus on specific serine codons (TCC and TCT) that change translation under serine limitation. The team aims to find ways to block those translation changes so tumors cannot activate survival pathways, with the goal of identifying new targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This work is most relevant to people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are interested in therapies targeting tumor metabolism and adaptive survival pathways.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or whose tumors do not rely on serine-related translation mechanisms would be unlikely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or dietary-related strategies that make pancreatic tumors more vulnerable to treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies show serine/glycine dietary restriction can reduce tumor growth, but targeting codon-specific translation is a newer approach with limited prior clinical testing.
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