Investigating how pancreatic cancer cells adapt to stress through a specific protein
Official title: Targeting pancreatic cancer's metabolic addiction to HuR
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10925147 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $418,473 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA227865-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-10925147 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who are not diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Winter, Jordan M — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Winter, Jordan M
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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.