Investigating how different parts of ERK2 affect pancreatic cancer caused by KRAS mutations
Official title: Divergent Functions of ERK2 Substrate Binding Domains in Pathogenesis of KRAS-Driven Pancreatic Cancer
Funded at Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr · NIH-11000841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called ERK2 to see how it helps pancreatic cancer grow when there are KRAS mutations, and the researchers hope to find ways to target ERK2 to create new treatments that won't affect healthy pancreatic cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | December 13, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $94,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA286669-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11000841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, particularly those with KRAS mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who do not have KRAS mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of ERK2, a protein involved in cell signaling, in the development of pancreatic cancer driven by KRAS mutations. The researchers have discovered that ERK2 is crucial for cancer progression but not necessary for normal pancreatic cells. They will explore how specific domains of ERK2 contribute to cancer development and how they might be targeted for new therapies. By using genetic models, they aim to identify the distinct functions of these domains in pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted treatments for pancreatic cancer, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting specific signaling pathways in cancer can lead to significant advancements in treatment, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Astsaturov, Igor — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Astsaturov, Igor
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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.