Understanding Pancreatic Cancer's Energy Use
Project 3: The AMPK Autophagy Pathway as a Metabolic Liability in Pancratic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
This research explores how pancreatic cancer cells use a process called autophagy to grow and resist treatments, aiming to find new ways to stop them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11167611 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) is a very aggressive cancer with limited effective treatments, partly because the cancer cells are skilled at adapting their metabolism. A key survival strategy for these cells is autophagy, a process where they recycle their own components for nutrients, especially in the challenging tumor environment. Autophagy also helps cancer cells resist common therapies like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Our team is investigating the specific roles of a protein called AMPK in controlling autophagy and other cellular processes within pancreatic cancer, seeking to uncover new vulnerabilities. The ultimate goal is to develop new, targeted medicines that can block this survival mechanism.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma may eventually benefit from new therapies developed as a result of this foundational research.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options would not directly benefit from this basic science research, as it focuses on understanding disease mechanisms rather than direct patient intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new, more effective treatments for pancreatic cancer by targeting its unique metabolic vulnerabilities.
How similar studies have performed: Previous foundational research from this group has successfully identified key biochemical steps in the autophagy process, providing a strong basis for this specific investigation into pancreatic cancer.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, UNITED STATES
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaw, Reuben — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Shaw, Reuben
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 below.