NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how tRNA affects pancreatic cancer outcomes

Official title: Investigating tRNA biology as a prognostic and oncogenic feature in pancreatic adenocarcinoma

Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11001096 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain types of tRNA might affect the growth and treatment response of pancreatic cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to help patients get better care tailored to their specific cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$53,974
NIH project number5F30CA284534-02
Project IDNIH-11001096 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of cancer or those without a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of transfer RNA (tRNA) in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a type of pancreatic cancer that is challenging to treat. The study aims to explore how variations in tRNA can influence the behavior of cancer cells, particularly their growth and response to treatments. By examining the relationship between tRNA levels and the molecular characteristics of PDAC, researchers hope to identify new prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatment strategies based on their specific cancer subtype.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prognostic tools and targeted therapies for patients with pancreatic cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of tRNA in cancer biology, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Johns Hopkins University
    Baltimore, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kawalerski, Ryan — Johns Hopkins University
  • Study coordinator: Kawalerski, Ryan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • PASSCODE: Coordinating and Sharing PDAC stromal research data

    A networked effort at NYU School of Medicine aims to study how the pancreatic cancer stroma shapes tumor growth and patient outcomes, by coordinating researchers, sharing data, and educating the field.

    NIH research New York University School of Medicine · New York, United States · NIH-11413859

  • Oncostatin M Receptor in Pancreatic Cancer

    Aims to understand how a molecule called Oncostatin M and its receptor affect pancreatic cancer to find new ways to help patients.

    NIH research Portland VA Medical Center · Portland, United States · NIH-11402385

  • Total Neoadjuvant Therapy for Borderline or Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer

    A multi-part treatment approach tests giving all chemotherapy and targeted radiotherapy before surgery to help patients with tough-to-remove pancreatic cancer become eligible for curative surgery.

    NIH research Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research · New York, United States · NIH-11397470

  • Low-dose, motion-aware MRI to study pancreatic cancer

    A new MRI method using low-dose contrast and motion-resolved imaging is being explored to better characterize pancreatic cancer in patients.

    NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11394353

  • SOAT1 as a target in pancreatic cancer

    Researchers are studying a specific enzyme, SOAT1, to see if blocking it can slow down or stop pancreatic cancer progression in models that mimic human disease.

    NIH research Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · Cold Spring Harbor, United States · NIH-11360158

  • Turning inflammatory scar cells in the pancreas into helpers to improve treatment response

    This project will try to change inflammatory, scar-forming cells around pancreatic tumors so treatments and the immune system can work better for people with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

    NIH research Stanford University · Stanford, United States · NIH-11338560

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.