Investigating the roles of specific proteins in pancreatic cancer and its spread
Official title: Divergent Roles of MerTK,Tyro3, and Axl in Pancreatic Cancer and Metastasis
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10987023 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific proteins in pancreatic cancer cells might affect the cancer's growth and how it interacts with the immune system, with the goal of finding new ways to slow down the disease and improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $537,271 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270792-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10987023 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have pancreatic cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain proteins, known as receptor tyrosine kinases (MerTK, Tyro3, and Axl), influence the behavior of pancreatic cancer cells and their surrounding environment. By studying these proteins, the research aims to uncover how they contribute to the growth and spread of pancreatic cancer, particularly in how they affect immune cells and tumor-associated fibroblasts. The approach includes both laboratory experiments and analysis of preclinical models to determine the impact of inhibiting these proteins on cancer progression and response to existing therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting receptor tyrosine kinases in various cancers, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Earp, H. Shelton — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Earp, H. Shelton
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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.