Understanding endoglin's role in pancreatic cancer
Tumor-intrinsic and paracrine roles of endoglin in pancreatic cancer
This research explores how a protein called endoglin affects the growth and blood supply of pancreatic cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141607 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pancreatic cancer is a very serious disease that is hard to treat, partly because its tumors often have poor blood flow, making it difficult for medicines to reach them. Our team found a protein called endoglin, which normally helps blood vessels grow, acts in two different ways in pancreatic cancer cells. One version of endoglin helps the cancer grow and resist chemotherapy, while another new version can actually stop blood vessel growth in tumors. We are working to understand how these two versions of endoglin interact within the tumor and how they might be targeted to improve treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for patients with pancreatic cancer who may benefit from future therapies developed from these discoveries.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments will not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to target pancreatic cancer by improving drug delivery and slowing tumor growth.
How similar studies have performed: This research builds on preliminary findings about endoglin's role in pancreatic cancer, exploring novel mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
Where this research is happening
Tucson, United States
- University of Arizona — Tucson, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Nam Y — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Lee, Nam Y
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.