HSF2 and HSP110 the link to RNA splicing and radiation response in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Critical Role for HSF2 and HSP110 axis in Regulation of Pre-mRNA Splicing and Radiation Response
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11376439 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores how cancer cells change their RNA splicing in response to radiation, with the aim of making pancreatic cancer more vulnerable to treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $568,713 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA300054-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11376439 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or related splicing/dna repair vulnerabilities who could participate in future translational studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without PDAC or without access to related translational research opportunities may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
The project investigates how the Heat Shock Transcription Factor 2 (HSF2) and its target HSP110 affect pre-mRNA splicing and how this changes after radiation exposure in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. By studying transcriptional fidelity and RNA processing, the research hopes to reveal new ways to weaken cancer cell survival and DNA repair pathways. The team will look at how loss of HSF2 or HSP110 alters RNAPII CTD phosphorylation and snRNA levels, potentially creating new, targetable transcripts. If successful, these findings could guide combination therapies that exploit altered splicing to improve patient responses to treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding this axis could lead to new strategies that sensitize pancreatic cancer to radiation and other therapies, potentially improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work links splicing factors to cancer treatment responses, but this specific HSF2/HSP110–mediated splicing axis in radiation response is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mivechi, Nahid F — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Mivechi, Nahid F
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.