Investigating calcium transfer between cell organelles in pancreatic cancer

Endoplasmic Reticulum-to-Mitochondria Calcium Transfer in Pancreatic Cancer Development, Metastasis, and Treatment

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10923821

This study is looking at how calcium movement between certain parts of cells might influence the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this tough-to-treat disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10923821 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how calcium transfer between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria affects the development and spread of pancreatic cancer. By using advanced animal and cell-culture models, the researchers aim to explore the role of specific calcium channels in cancer cell survival and metastasis. The study seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could lead to more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer, which is often diagnosed at an advanced stage and has poor treatment responses.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic adenocarcinoma, particularly those with advanced disease.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel therapies that significantly improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting calcium transfer in pancreatic cancer is novel, similar strategies in other cancers have shown promising results.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.