Communication between cancer-associated fibroblasts and neurons promotes pancreatic cancer progression

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory (CSHL) received a $518,342 Project Grant award from the Defense Health Agency (DHA) under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) for the period July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028. The award supports basic biomedical research investigating communication mechanisms between cancer-associated fibroblasts and neurons in pancreatic cancer progression. This three-year research initiative aligns with the DHA's mission to transform healthcare for service members and the American public through innovative and impactful biomedical research addressing critical health challenges.

The research project will be conducted at CSHL's facility in Cold Spring Harbor, New York. As a prestigious non-profit research institution with extensive federal funding experience, CSHL will deliver advanced scientific research services and discoveries utilizing its sophisticated molecular techniques, genomic analysis capabilities, and computational biology resources. The research findings are expected to contribute fundamental scientific knowledge regarding cancer biology mechanisms with potential translational implications for understanding and treating pancreatic cancer, a disease relevant to both military personnel and the broader population.