Investigating how specific sugar changes affect the spread of pancreatic cancer
Truncated O-glycan-dependent mechanisms inducing metastatic dissemination in pancreatic cancer
This study is looking at how certain sugar structures in pancreatic cancer cells affect how the cancer grows and spreads, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about pancreatic cancer and potential new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10889122 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of truncated O-glycans in the progression and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. It examines how changes in these sugar structures, particularly the activity of the enzyme C1GALT1, influence cancer cell behavior. Using advanced techniques like CRISPR/Cas9, the study aims to identify how the loss of this enzyme leads to increased tumor growth and spread. By exploring these mechanisms, the research seeks to uncover new insights into pancreatic cancer biology that could inform future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, particularly those with poorly differentiated tumors.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer that has not yet metastasized may not benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that target the mechanisms of metastasis in pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on truncated O-glycans in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel, similar approaches using glycan alterations have shown promise in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ponnusamy, Moorthy P. — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ponnusamy, Moorthy P.
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.