Targeting Perp in pancreatic cancer and its muscle wasting
Official title: Targeting Perp in PDAC tumor and cancer cachexia
Funded at University of North Carolina Charlotte · NIH-11394547 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This NIH grant explores a gene called Perp as a potential target to slow pancreatic cancer growth and reduce cachexia in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of North Carolina Charlotte NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlotte, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $155,518 |
| NIH project number | 5R00CA283277-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394547 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with pancreatic cancer or at risk of cancer cachexia; patients with tumors showing p53 pathway alterations may be particularly relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without pancreatic cancer or those not affected by cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is extremely deadly and often accompanied by cachexia, a wasting syndrome that worsens quality of life. The project uses mouse models to study how Perp, a gene regulated by p53, affects tumor growth and muscle loss. By inhibiting Perp, researchers hope to boost p53 activity and slow cancer progression while protecting muscle tissue. If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that help manage both the tumor and its bodily effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatment strategies that slow pancreatic cancer and lessen muscle wasting for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in animal models suggest Perp influences tumor growth and may correlate with patient survival, indicating potential for translational impact.
Where this research is happening
-
University of North Carolina Charlotte
Charlotte, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dasgupta, Aneesha — University of North Carolina Charlotte
- Study coordinator: Dasgupta, Aneesha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Blocking Perp to slow pancreatic cancer and cancer-related muscle wasting
This project will test whether lowering a protein called Perp can shrink pancreatic tumors and help people with pancreatic cancer who are losing weight and muscle.
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Targeting a specific protein to improve outcomes in pancreatic cancer and related muscle loss
This study is looking at how a protein called Perp affects pancreatic cancer and the weight loss that often comes with it, hoping to find ways to slow down the cancer and help patients feel better, especially those with a specific gene mutation.
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Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.
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CANCAN: A Virtual Institute to Cure Cancer Cachexia
A broad, collaborative NIH initiative aims to uncover why cancer patients lose weight and muscle and to develop new ways to treat this serious condition.
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Spatial metabolism mapping in cancer cachexia tissues
Aims to map where and how metabolism changes in tissues affected by cancer cachexia using advanced imaging technology.
-
Nuclear receptors that may stop muscle wasting in cancer
This grant explores whether activating specific muscle-regulating receptors can prevent muscle loss in cancer patients.
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.