Award
National Cancer Institute 5F31CA284505-02
The role of mesothelial-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts in the pathogenesis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Recipient
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Award Amount
$47,899.00
Ceiling
$47,899.00
Awarded
August 04, 2025
Identifier
5F31CA284505-02
This award supports research investigating the role of mesothelial-derived cancer-associated fibroblasts in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, focusing on their contribution to the tumor microenvironment and disease progression, with potential for developing targeted therapies.
Description
Pancreatic cancer is characterized by the expansion of heterogenous cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that are believed to play tumor-promoting and tumor-restricting roles in disease progression. This heterogeneity is partly programmed by the diverse cellular origins of CAFs. Preliminary evidence suggests that mesothelial cells give rise to a phenotypically and functionally distinct class of CAFs in pancreatic cancer. The goal of this proposal is to investigate the contribution of mesothelial-derived CAFs to the tumor microenvironment and their functional role in disease progression.