Using microbes to develop therapies that target cancer cell nutrient uptake
Development of Microbial-Based Therapies to Suppress Macropinocytosis in Kras-Driven Cancers
This study is looking at a tough type of pancreatic cancer and how it uses a special process to take in nutrients that help it grow; by targeting a specific protein involved in this process, researchers hope to create new treatments that could make a difference for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Duarte, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10886690 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), a highly aggressive cancer driven by the Kras protein, which promotes rapid cell growth and resistance to treatments. The study investigates how Kras enhances nutrient uptake through a process called macropinocytosis, allowing cancer cells to thrive. By targeting a specific protein, Syndecan-1, which plays a crucial role in this nutrient scavenging process, the research aims to develop microbial-based therapies that could inhibit this mechanism and improve treatment outcomes for patients. The approach combines insights from cancer biology and microbiology to create innovative therapeutic strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma or other Kras-driven cancers such as bladder, lung, prostate, colon, and breast cancers.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers not driven by Kras mutations or those with advanced-stage disease may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve treatment options and outcomes for patients with Kras-driven cancers.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using microbial-based therapies to target macropinocytosis in Kras-driven cancers is novel, similar strategies targeting metabolic pathways in cancer have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
Duarte, United States
- Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope — Duarte, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Manuel, Edwin — Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope
- Study coordinator: Manuel, Edwin
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.