NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how specific genes affect pancreatic cancer

Official title: Investigating the role of FOXA1/2 and HNF4⍺ in Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Funded at University of Utah · NIH-10903161 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain proteins affect a type of aggressive pancreatic cancer called PDAC, to help find better ways to treat patients and improve their outcomes.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Utah
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Salt Lake City, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2027
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$42,250
NIH project number1F31CA291031-01
Project IDNIH-10903161 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with the classical subtype.

Less likely to help

Patients with other forms of pancreatic cancer or those who do not have pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of specific transcription factors, FOXA1, FOXA2, and HNF4⍺, in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly aggressive form of cancer. By analyzing the differences between two subtypes of PDAC, the classical and basal, the study aims to uncover how these factors influence tumor behavior and patient responses to treatment. The research employs integrated genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes. Ultimately, the goal is to enhance understanding of the disease and develop more effective treatments for patients diagnosed with PDAC.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that significantly improve survival rates for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting specific transcription factors in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Utah
    Salt Lake City, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Orellana, Walter Alexander — University of Utah
  • Study coordinator: Orellana, Walter Alexander

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.