Understanding how MICAL2 affects pancreatic cancer cell movement
Official title: Project 1: Defining Mechanisms of MICAL-dependent Pancreatic Cancer Cell Migration
Funded at San Diego State University · NIH-11402702 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a protein called MICAL2 helps pancreatic cancer cells move and spread, with the goal of finding new ways to treat this deadly cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | San Diego State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Diego, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $158,643 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA285117-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11402702 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or at high risk of PDAC, particularly among African American or Hispanic populations, may benefit from future therapies arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage individuals without PDAC may not directly benefit, as the study targets cancer cell mechanisms rather than prevention in healthy people.
What this research studies
This project looks at the biology of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) to understand how cancer cells migrate and form metastases. By examining how MICAL2 and related cell-structure changes influence movement, biologists aim to identify potential targets for therapy. The work combines PDAC biology with cell-level modeling to connect molecular changes to how cancer cells travel through tissues. The grant supports experimental studies in collaboration with a PDAC-focused lab to translate cellular insights toward new treatment strategies for patients, especially within affected populations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets for therapies that limit PDAC spread and improve outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work linking actin dynamics and metastasis has informed potential targets; this project builds on those findings with a focus on MICAL2 in PDAC.
Where this research is happening
-
San Diego State University
San Diego, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Katira, Parag — San Diego State University
- Study coordinator: Katira, Parag
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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.