Investigating how pancreatic cancer cells adapt to stress through a specific protein
Targeting pancreatic cancer's metabolic addiction to HuR
This study is looking at a tough type of pancreatic cancer and how a protein called HuR helps cancer cells survive, with the goal of finding new ways to treat it by discovering weaknesses in the cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10925147 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA), a highly aggressive cancer that often resists chemotherapy. The team is studying the role of a protein called HuR, which helps cancer cells survive under stressful conditions by stabilizing certain RNA molecules. By understanding how HuR influences the metabolism of these cancer cells, the researchers aim to identify potential vulnerabilities that could be targeted for treatment. The approach includes advanced techniques like CRISPR to manipulate gene expression and assess the effects on cancer cell behavior.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that make pancreatic cancer more responsive to existing treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer cells, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winter, Jordan M — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Winter, Jordan M
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.