Targeting a Key Protein for Pancreatic Cancer Treatment
Studying the role of eIF4A in Pancreatic Cancer
This research explores how a specific protein, eIF4A, helps pancreatic cancer grow, hoping to find new ways to stop it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109510 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is very difficult to treat, and its cells use energy differently than healthy cells. This difference might be a weakness we can use against the cancer. We found that pancreatic cancer cells rely on a protein called eIF4A to make other proteins they need to grow. A new compound, CR-31, specifically targets eIF4A and has shown promise in slowing tumor growth in early tests. Our goal is to understand exactly how eIF4A works in pancreatic cancer and identify new treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This early-stage research is not yet recruiting patients, but future clinical trials would likely seek individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Not a fit: Patients without pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma would not directly benefit from this specific treatment approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a new, more effective treatment for pancreatic cancer, a disease that currently has limited options.
How similar studies have performed: This approach of targeting eIF4A is relatively new for pancreatic cancer, though initial tests with the compound CR-31 have shown promising results in models.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chio, Christine Iok in — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Chio, Christine Iok in
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.