Understanding how Ral signaling affects cancer growth
Official title: Uncoupling Ral signal transduction from Exocyst functions
Funded at Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr · NIH-11063240 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific signaling pathway called Ral might help us find new ways to slow down cancer growth, especially in patients with pancreatic cancer that has a common mutation, using tiny worms to learn more about it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $73,856 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA289854-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063240 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with KRAS mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers that do not involve Ras mutations or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of Ral signaling in cancer, particularly in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which has a high mutation rate of the Ras protein. The study uses the model organism C. elegans to explore how Ral interacts with the exocyst complex, which is involved in cell signaling and growth. By identifying specific mutations that can separate Ral's signaling function from its role in exocytosis, the researchers aim to develop new strategies to inhibit cancer growth in patients with KRAS-positive tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for treating pancreatic cancer by targeting Ral signaling.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting Ral signaling is relatively novel, previous research has shown promise in targeting other Ras signaling pathways, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Reiner, David — Texas A&m University Health Science Ctr
- Study coordinator: Reiner, David
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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.