Targeting abnormal RNA splicing in pancreatic cancer
Understanding and targeting mutant splicing factors in pancreatic cancer
This project tests therapies that target faulty RNA splicing in people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to find new treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146657 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about work that looks at how mutations in RNA splicing factors (like SF3B1 and RBM10) help drive aggressive pancreatic cancer and change how tumors respond to therapy. The team uses analyses of human tumor mutation data, laboratory cell studies, genetically engineered mouse models, and treatments such as splice-switching oligonucleotides and small-molecule splicing inhibitors. They will link specific splicing mutations with tumor behavior and drug sensitivity to find vulnerabilities. The goal is to design mechanism-based targeted therapies that could be moved toward clinical testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially those whose tumors carry mutant KRAS together with mutations in splicing factors such as SF3B1 or RBM10.
Not a fit: Patients with other cancer types or pancreatic tumors that lack these splicing factor changes may be less likely to benefit from the approaches studied here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted treatments for pancreatic cancer patients whose tumors depend on abnormal RNA splicing.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical proof-of-concept studies in engineered mouse models and early lab work with splicing inhibitors and oligo therapies have shown promise, but translation to patients remains novel.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Escobar Hoyos, Luisa — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Escobar Hoyos, Luisa
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.