Investigating how DDR2 in cancer-associated fibroblasts affects ovarian cancer spread.
Official title: The action of DDR2 in cancer-associated fibroblasts promotes ovarian cancer metastasis through increased arginase-1 activity.
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11086640 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called DDR2 helps ovarian cancer grow and spread, and it aims to find new ways to improve treatment for patients by understanding how certain cells support the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $54,538 |
| NIH project number | 5F30CA278318-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086640 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with high-grade serous ovarian cancer, particularly those at advanced stages (III or IV).
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage ovarian cancer or those with non-serous types of ovarian cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of DDR2, a receptor involved in collagen binding, in the spread of ovarian cancer. It examines how cancer-associated fibroblasts contribute to a supportive environment for tumor growth and metastasis through increased activity of arginase-1. By studying the molecular mechanisms behind collagen deposition and polyamine synthesis, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve treatment outcomes for ovarian cancer patients. The approach includes analyzing tumor samples and using animal models to observe the effects of DDR2 on cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that inhibit ovarian cancer metastasis, potentially improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting similar pathways in cancer metastasis can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting a promising avenue for this investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akinjiyan, Favour Ayomide — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Akinjiyan, Favour Ayomide
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Tumor-Niche Co-evolution in Ovarian Cancer Metastasis and Resistance
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-
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-
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This project looks for the specific cells and molecular changes that let fallopian tube–origin high-grade serous ovarian cancer spread in women.
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How the environment affects ovarian cancer spread and treatment.
This study is looking at how ovarian cancer cells move and spread in the body by using a special lab model that acts like human tissue, with the goal of finding new ways to help improve treatment for people with advanced ovarian cancer.
-
Investigating how tumor cell clusters affect the spread of aggressive ovarian cancer
This study is looking at how groups of cancer cells behave differently from single cancer cells in spreading high-grade serous ovarian cancer, with the hope that understanding this could help find better treatments for patients facing this and similar aggressive cancers.
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.