MICAL2 and how pancreatic cancer cells move
Project 1: Defining Mechanisms of MICAL-dependent Pancreatic Cancer Cell Migration
This work looks at how a protein called MICAL2 helps pancreatic cancer cells move and spread, which matters for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180092 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From your perspective, researchers are trying to understand why pancreatic cancer cells spread by studying a protein called MICAL2. They will compare cancer tissue to normal pancreas and use lab models that mimic the 3-D and physical environment of tumors to watch how cells move. The team will study how MICAL2 changes the cell's internal skeleton (actin) and how that affects gene signals tied to movement. If MICAL2 is shown to drive migration, the findings could guide future ways to block spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), including African American and Hispanic patients who face higher risks, are the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without PDAC or with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to stop pancreatic cancer from spreading and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have linked MICAL family proteins to cell movement, but turning that into effective patient treatments has not yet been proven.
Where this research is happening
San Diego, United States
- San Diego State University — San Diego, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Katira, Parag — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: Katira, Parag
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.