Targeting MARK2-HDAC signaling to overcome paclitaxel resistance in pancreatic cancer
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11421840 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-centered approach aims to make paclitaxel work better for pancreatic cancer by blocking a specific cell signaling pathway.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $311,384 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA274329-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421840 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pancreatic cancer who are candidates for paclitaxel-containing regimens may benefit from future therapies derived from this research.
✕Less likely to help
If the specific MARK2-HDAC pathway is not a driver in a patient's tumor, they may not experience a benefit from these approaches.
What this research studies
This project looks at why some pancreatic cancer cells resist paclitaxel and how to make the drug more effective by targeting the MARK2-HDAC signaling axis. Researchers use biochemical and cell-based screening to identify how MARK2 and HDACs influence Taxol sensitivity and to find potential points for intervention. The work includes testing new strategies in the lab and in animal models to see if blocking this pathway can improve cancer cell death when paclitaxel is used. If successful, the findings could lead to combinations or new treatments that help patients respond better to chemotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer by overcoming drug resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show that targeting similar signaling axes can enhance chemotherapy sensitivity in cancer models, supporting the potential of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dong, Jixin — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Dong, Jixin
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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.