Targeting how pancreatic cancer cells recycle nutrients
Identifying and disabling new pathways for macromolecular recycling in pancreatic cancer
This project aims to block enzymes that help pancreatic cancer cells recycle materials so treatments might slow tumor growth for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308363 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are mapping the proteins inside lysosomes from pancreatic tumors and from non-cancer cells to find enzymes that allow tumors to survive in low-oxygen, low-nutrient environments. They use proteomics on purified lysosomes from patient tumors and lab-grown cancer cells and then disable the candidate enzymes in laboratory and animal tumor models to see whether tumor growth is suppressed. Early results point to lysosomal hydrolases such as PLBD1 as essential for tumor lysosome structure and function, so the team will test genetic and drug-like ways to block these factors. The work aims to find precise drug targets that could be more effective and less toxic than broad lysosome inhibitors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), especially those whose tumors show high levels of the identified lysosomal enzymes, would be the most likely candidates for future treatments arising from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without PDAC or whose tumors do not rely on these lysosomal recycling pathways are unlikely to benefit from approaches developed here.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted therapies that weaken pancreatic tumors by blocking their ability to recycle nutrients.
How similar studies have performed: Broad lysosomal blockers like hydroxychloroquine have shown modest benefits in pancreatic cancer, but this project tests a more targeted and preclinical approach focused on specific lysosomal enzymes.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perera, Rushika Miriam — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Perera, Rushika Miriam
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.