Investigating how stress in cells affects cancer-related fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer
Official title: Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in the function of cancer associated fibroblasts in pancreatic cancer
Funded at Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences · NIH-11018655 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the pancreas, called cancer-associated fibroblasts, behave when they’re under stress from misfolded proteins, and it hopes to find ways to help the immune system fight pancreatic cancer better by adjusting these cells instead of getting rid of them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $435,144 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA295509-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11018655 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma who may benefit from new treatment strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those not diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly lethal form of cancer. The study examines how these fibroblasts, which contribute to a fibrotic and immunosuppressive environment, respond to stress caused by misfolded proteins in their cells. By using chemical inhibitors to block specific stress pathways, the research aims to reduce the production of immunosuppressive factors by CAFs, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of immune responses against the cancer. The findings could lead to new therapeutic strategies that modulate rather than eliminate these fibroblasts to improve patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that enhance immune responses in pancreatic cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting the tumor microenvironment in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial, although the specific focus on ER stress in CAFs is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
East Lansing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barbosa Vendramini Costa, Débora — Henry Ford Health + Michigan State University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Barbosa Vendramini Costa, Débora
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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.