Targeting abnormal RNA splicing in pancreatic cancer
Understanding and targeting mutant splicing factors in pancreatic cancer
This project develops and tests treatments that target faulty RNA splicing in people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma to try to stop tumor growth.
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-11212550 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how changes in RNA splicing proteins (like SF3B1 and RBM10) help pancreatic tumors grow and influence treatment response. They will use lab-grown cells, genetically engineered mouse models, and analysis of tumor data to map which splicing changes matter. The team will test drugs that block splicing and genetic oligonucleotide therapies designed to correct harmful splicing events. The work aims to link specific splicing mutations with effective targeted therapies that could move toward human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma—particularly those whose tumors carry KRAS mutations and/or alterations in splicing factors such as SF3B1 or RBM10—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack splicing factor alterations or have very different tumor biology may not benefit from these splicing-targeted approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted therapies that shrink tumors or make existing treatments work better for people with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory and mouse studies, including proof-of-concept work with splicing inhibitors and oligonucleotide approaches, have shown promise but the strategy remains largely preclinical for pancreatic cancer.
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.