Understanding how fat storage affects cancer spread
Official title: Lipid storage and catabolism as drivers of metastatic invasion
Funded at Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-10931621 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer cells use stored fats for energy to help them spread, with the hope of finding new ways to stop the cancer from spreading and improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $350,743 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269295-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10931621 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer who are experiencing or at risk of metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous conditions or those with cancers not related to lipid metabolism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of lipid storage and metabolism in the spread of pancreatic cancer. It aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms that allow cancer cells to use stored fats as energy during their invasive migration. By studying how these lipid droplets are broken down and utilized by tumor cells, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could help inhibit cancer metastasis. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments aimed at improving survival rates.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly reduce cancer metastasis and improve patient survival.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Mayo Clinic Rochester
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Razidlo, Gina Lynn — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Razidlo, Gina Lynn
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
All of Us Biobank expansion and biospecimen program
A large Mayo Clinic–led project to collect and store biological samples from a diverse group of adults in the U.S. to advance precision medicine.
-
How baclofen and spinal cord stimulation interact in people with spinal cord injury
This study looks at how a common antispasmodic medicine (baclofen) works together with spinal cord stimulation in people who have spinal cord injuries and live with spasticity.
-
Pragmatic midodrine trial to reduce ICU vasopressor use in septic shock
A practical, patient-focused trial tests whether taking oral midodrine can lessen the need for IV vasopressors and shorten ICU stays for people with sepsis-related low blood pressure.
-
Estrogen’s role in eye pressure and glaucoma risk
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how estrogen and its receptors might control eye pressure in people with a common form of glaucoma.
-
Gut-brain connections in Parkinson’s disease: how the gut and environment shape symptoms
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how gut problems, environmental factors, and genetics together influence Parkinson’s disease and its GI symptoms to find biomarkers and better understanding of the disease.
-
ARTFL LEFFTDS Frontotemporal Dementia study cycle 2
This NIH grant supports a longitudinal study to understand and track frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) and related disorders in people, aiming to uncover biomarkers and disease progression information that could help patients and families.
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.