How tumor environment affects DNA repair and cancer growth
Role of extracellular matrix proteins and tumor stroma in DNA repair and cancer progression
This study is looking at how the environment around pancreatic cancer cells affects their ability to fix damage caused by treatment, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients who struggle with chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11002718 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how the tumor microenvironment, particularly the proteins secreted by surrounding cells, influences the ability of cancer cells to repair DNA damage. By focusing on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, a highly lethal cancer, the study aims to understand the mechanisms that lead to chemotherapy resistance. The researchers will explore the role of a specific protein, NDRG1, in mediating signals from the extracellular matrix to the DNA repair processes in cancer cells. This could lead to new strategies for overcoming treatment resistance in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are undergoing chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer by overcoming chemotherapy resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting the tumor microenvironment can improve treatment outcomes in various cancers, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Muranen, Taru Eliisa — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Muranen, Taru Eliisa
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.