Understanding how GLI transcription factors affect pancreatic cancer growth
Official title: Investigating GLI transcription factors as regulators of the pancreatic cancer microenvironment
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11088131 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins in the environment around pancreatic cancer tumors affect their growth and ability to resist treatment, with the hope that understanding these factors will help create better therapies for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $594,235 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA275182-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088131 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, particularly those with advanced stages of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pancreatic cancer or those without a confirmed diagnosis may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of GLI transcription factors in the pancreatic cancer microenvironment, focusing on how these factors influence tumor growth and progression. By examining the Hedgehog signaling pathway, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow pancreatic cancer to thrive and resist treatment. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the tumor environment, which could lead to the development of more effective therapies. The research employs a combination of laboratory experiments and analysis of tumor samples to explore these complex interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting the Hedgehog signaling pathway can be challenging, but understanding its role in the tumor microenvironment may provide new avenues for treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Allen, Benjamin — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Allen, Benjamin
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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.