Investigating how the AMPK pathway affects pancreatic cancer metabolism
Official title: Project 3: The AMPK Autophagy Pathway as a Metabolic Liability in Pancratic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Funded at Salk Institute for Biological Studies · NIH-10883568 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a process called autophagy helps pancreatic cancer cells survive and resist treatment, with the goal of finding new ways to make existing therapies work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 6, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $443,412 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA265762-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10883568 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 new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have 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 with limited treatment options. It explores the role of autophagy, a process where cells recycle components, in the tumor's ability to survive and resist therapies. By studying the AMPK pathway, which regulates autophagy, the research aims to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients. The approach includes biochemical analysis and potential development of specific inhibitors to enhance the effectiveness of existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting the AMPK pathway in pancreatic cancer is novel, there is accumulating evidence that targeting autophagy can be beneficial in cancer treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaw, Reuben — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Shaw, Reuben
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Natural products to block IL-8 signaling and prevent Barrett's Esophagus from turning into esophageal cancer
A搜索-friendly plan to use safe natural compounds to interrupt a key inflammatory signal (IL-8) and stop Barrett’s esophagus from turning into esophageal cancer in people with GERD.
-
Understanding how CDH1 loss drives aggressive stomach cancer and how to target it
Researchers are studying why certain advanced stomach cancers grow and spread, with a focus on CDH1 inactivation and related pathways to find ways to improve treatment for patients.
-
Understanding a highly flexible cell state in lung cancer that worsens outcomes
A doctor-scientist at Cedars-Sinai wants to learn how a highly adaptable lung cancer cell state drives disease progression and resistance to therapy, using models that resemble human tumors.
-
Fibrin-rich tumor stroma as a new driver of immune response in pancreatic cancer
This grant explores how fibrin-involved tumor surroundings in pancreatic cancer might affect immune therapy, with the goal of making treatments work better for patients.
-
TREM2+ macrophages and liver metastases in pancreatic cancer
Researchers are studying immune cells in liver metastases from pancreatic cancer to understand how they influence the cancer’s spread and more effective treatments.
-
Protein S could slow pancreatic cancer and blood clots
A potential treatment study looks at restoring a natural blood protein, Protein S, to help people with pancreatic cancer by slowing tumor growth and reducing dangerous clots.
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.