Stopping fibroblasts from feeding pancreatic cancer by targeting ANO6
Targeting anoctamin 6 to disrupt trogocytosis of cancer-associated fibroblasts
Researchers will try blocking a protein called ANO6 to stop nearby fibroblasts from delivering lipids to pancreatic cancer cells and help immunotherapy work better for people with pancreatic cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11299527 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I had pancreatic cancer, this research would look at how nearby support cells called cancer-associated fibroblasts pass bits of membrane and lipids to tumor cells and make them harder to kill. Scientists found a protein called ANO6 that helps fibroblasts expose certain lipids and transfer them through direct cell contacts, and they plan to block ANO6 to interrupt that transfer. The team will use mouse models, human tumor samples, live imaging, and immune therapy combinations to see whether blocking ANO6 reduces tumor growth and restores immune attack. Results could lead to options where patients donate tumor tissue for study or enroll in future trials testing ANO6-targeting treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those whose tumors are resistant to immunotherapy or who can donate tumor tissue, would be the most relevant candidates for this line of research or future trials.
Not a fit: People without pancreatic cancer or whose tumors do not rely on fibroblast-derived lipid transfer are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, blocking ANO6 could cut off a key nutrient supply to pancreatic tumors and make immunotherapy more effective, potentially improving outcomes for people with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: The idea that stromal cells support tumors is supported by prior studies, but directly targeting ANO6 to block membrane/trogocytosis transfer is a novel approach with limited prior testing.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Astsaturov, Igor — Research Inst of Fox Chase Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Astsaturov, Igor
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.