Investigating the role of Engrailed-1 in metastatic pancreatic cancer

Engrailed-1 and Epigenetic Vulnerabilities in Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer

NIH-funded research University of California at Davis · NIH-11032047

This study is looking at how a protein called Engrailed-1 (EN1) affects the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this tough disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California at Davis NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Davis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032047 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how Engrailed-1 (EN1), a transcription factor, influences the progression and spread of pancreatic cancer through epigenetic changes. By examining the expression of EN1 in cancer cells and its association with aggressive cancer characteristics, the study aims to uncover new vulnerabilities in metastatic pancreatic cancer. The researchers will use various advanced techniques to explore the molecular mechanisms by which EN1 affects the cancer epigenome and contributes to disease progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic pancreatic cancer, particularly those with the squamous molecular subtype.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those without the squamous subtype may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies targeting the vulnerabilities created by EN1 in metastatic pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific role of EN1 in pancreatic cancer is being explored, similar approaches targeting epigenetic vulnerabilities in cancer have shown promise in other studies.

Where this research is happening

Davis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.