Understanding how pancreatic cancer cells move and spread
Official title: Full Project 1: Defining Mechanisms of MICAL-dependent Pancreatic Cancer Cell Migration
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-10929485 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pancreatic cancer cells move and spread in the body, especially focusing on the role of certain genes, to find new ways to treat this disease, particularly for African American and Hispanic patients who are more affected by it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $170,683 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA285115-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929485 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma, particularly those from African American and Hispanic backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without a diagnosis of pancreatic duct adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the biological mechanisms behind the movement and spread of pancreatic cancer cells, particularly focusing on how certain genes influence these processes. By studying the differences between pancreatic cancer cells and normal cells, the researchers aim to identify potential therapeutic targets that could lead to more effective treatments. The project combines expertise in cancer biology with advanced modeling of cellular behavior to uncover insights that could improve patient outcomes. The research specifically addresses the challenges faced by African American and Hispanic patients who are disproportionately affected by pancreatic cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cancer cell migration and targeting specific genes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lowy, Andrew M — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Lowy, Andrew M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Microbial Dysbiosis and Its Role in Pancreatic Cancer
A doctor-researcher team at Northwestern University is studying how gut bacteria influence pancreatic cancer and its response to immunotherapy to find new ways to help patients.
-
Targeting aberrant enhancer landscapes in pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing look at a project that aims to understand how pancreatic cancer changes its cell identity and what that means for treatment.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early, non-invasive detection of pancreatic cancer
A study to develop a blood test that uses tiny RNA signals in exosomes to detect pancreatic cancer early, aiming to help people at risk or with early disease.
-
Exosome-based microRNA biomarkers for early detection of pancreatic cancer
A patient-friendly look at a study using tiny blood-based RNA markers inside exosomes to catch pancreatic cancer early without invasive procedures.
-
Programmable implanted living materials to fight pancreatic cancer
A patient-facing program will explore a safe, implantable living material that delivers sequential immunotherapies directly to pancreatic tumors to help fight cancer.
-
Targeting how platelets and pancreatic cancer talk to each other
A study exploring whether blocking the interaction between platelets and pancreatic cancer cells could slow cancer growth and spread and help identify new biomarkers.
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.