Understanding how mesothelial cells affect pancreatic cancer growth
Official title: Function of mesothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10984489 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the pancreas, called mesothelial cells, work with other cells to help pancreatic cancer grow and hide from the immune system, with the hope of finding better ways to treat patients with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R00CA252009-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984489 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mesothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). It focuses on how these cells interact with cancer-associated fibroblasts and contribute to cancer progression and immunosuppression. By utilizing advanced techniques like single cell RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify distinct populations of mesothelial cells and their functions in supporting cancer cells. This could lead to new insights into how to improve treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapeutic approaches that enhance the effectiveness of treatments for pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of mesothelial cells in cancer has been explored, this specific investigation into their function in pancreatic cancer is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Huocong — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Huang, Huocong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Fibrin-rich tumor stroma as a new driver of immune response in pancreatic cancer
This grant explores how fibrin-involved tumor surroundings in pancreatic cancer might affect immune therapy, with the goal of making treatments work better for patients.
-
TREM2+ macrophages and liver metastases in pancreatic cancer
Researchers are studying immune cells in liver metastases from pancreatic cancer to understand how they influence the cancer’s spread and more effective treatments.
-
Protein S could slow pancreatic cancer and blood clots
A potential treatment study looks at restoring a natural blood protein, Protein S, to help people with pancreatic cancer by slowing tumor growth and reducing dangerous clots.
-
In vivo B7-H3 CAR-T cells for pancreatic cancer therapy
A patient-friendly look at a new approach that aims to produce CAR-T cells directly inside the body to target pancreatic cancer.
-
Metabolic changes in pancreatic cancer when treated with crisantaspase
Aims to understand how pancreatic cancer cells adapt their metabolism when treated with crisantaspase to inform better treatment strategies for patients.
-
New combination therapy for pancreatic cancer in animals
A new therapy designed to weaken the tumor’s protective surroundings and boost treatment effects in pancreatic cancer models.
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.