Why some pancreatic cancers become dependent on a sugar-processing enzyme called PGD
The Evolution of PGD Addiction in Human Pancreatic Cancer
Researchers are looking at whether stopping a sugar-processing enzyme called PGD can keep pancreatic cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11226794 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how pancreatic cancer cells use sugar to turn on an enzyme called PGD that helps tumors grow and seed new sites like the liver. Scientists will analyze tumor samples collected from patients, grow cancer cells in 3-D lab models that mimic human tissue, and test mechanisms in genetically engineered mouse models. The team will focus on how cancer cells increase sugar import and how that activates PGD and other growth-promoting enzymes. Understanding these steps could reveal new targets to block the rapid metastatic growth that makes pancreatic cancer so deadly.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer, especially those with liver metastases, would be the patients most likely to be relevant for this research and future clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage, localized pancreatic cancer or people with unrelated health conditions are less likely to see direct benefits from this specific work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that block sugar-driven growth and slow or stop metastatic pancreatic cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Other research that targets cancer metabolism has shown promise in lab and animal models, but directly targeting PGD in metastatic pancreatic cancer is a newer, largely preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mcdonald, Oliver Gene — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Mcdonald, Oliver Gene
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.