Microbe-based therapy to block tumor nutrient scavenging in KRAS-driven cancers
Development of Microbial-Based Therapies to Suppress Macropinocytosis in Kras-Driven Cancers
Researchers are developing treatments derived from microbes to block how KRAS-driven tumors (such as some pancreatic and bladder cancers) grab nutrients so the tumors grow more slowly.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11123219 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project aims to use microbes or microbial enzymes to change tumor surface molecules called heparan sulfate proteoglycans so cancer cells cannot use macropinocytosis to scavenge nutrients. The team will test these approaches in laboratory models of KRAS-driven cancers (including pancreatic and bladder cancer) to see whether blocking macropinocytosis slows tumor growth and increases sensitivity to existing drugs. Early work uses cell-based and animal models to study the biology and safety of the approach before any human testing. If preclinical results are promising, the methods could move toward clinical trials to test safety and benefit in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with KRAS-driven cancers (for example certain pancreatic or bladder tumors) would be the most likely candidates for future clinical testing of this approach.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not carry KRAS mutations or that rely on different nutrient pathways are less likely to benefit from this specific strategy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could slow growth of KRAS-driven tumors and make them more sensitive to current cancer therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting macropinocytosis has shown preclinical promise, but using microbe-based methods to alter heparan sulfate is a relatively novel approach with limited prior testing in patients.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manuel, Edwin — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Manuel, Edwin
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.