RNF43 mutations in pancreatic cysts (IPMNs) and how they change cell metabolism
TBEL Project 2
This project looks at how RNF43 mutations in pancreatic cysts (IPMNs) change cell energy systems and stress responses in people at risk for pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11173903 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, the team is using genetically engineered mice and lab-grown tumor cells to learn why some pancreatic cysts grow into dangerous cancer. They combine a mouse model that loses RNF43 with a common KRAS mutation and primary cell lines to study mitochondria, unfolded protein response, and ER stress. The researchers will track how loss of RNF43 alters organelle interactions, protein quality control, and metabolism that may let cysts progress. The goal is to find biological weak spots that could become ways to predict or stop progression to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic cysts—especially intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMNs)—or those known to have RNF43 mutations would be the most relevant for participating or donating samples.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic cysts or with cancers unrelated to RNF43-driven mechanisms are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biological targets to better predict which pancreatic cysts will become cancerous and suggest new treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous clinical trials targeting Wnt signaling in RNF43-mutant tumors were disappointing, so this organelle- and proteostasis-focused approach is relatively new but supported by preclinical mouse and cell-line findings.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maitra, Anirban — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Maitra, Anirban
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.