The National Cancer Institute (NCI) awarded a $636,046 Project Grant (CFDA 93.396 - Cancer Biology Research) to Weill Medical College of Cornell University on November 25, 2024. The objective of this 5-year research project is to define the oncogenic potential and therapeutic dependencies of different KRAS gene variants associated with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Specifically, the research aims to:
- Decipher how cell lineage impacts the neoplastic transformation and molecular evolution of epithelial cells in KRAS G12R and G12V mutant PDAC models.
- Define the oncogenic factors required for KRAS G12R mutant PDAC development.
- Delineate the molecular dependencies and therapeutic response profiles of KRAS G12R and G12V mutant PDAC.
This project leverages the institution's animal models, molecular frameworks, patient-derived organoids, and in vivo editing technologies to advance the understanding of how specific KRAS mutations shape PDAC progression and therapeutic vulnerabilities. The findings are expected to inform new strategies for intercepting PDAC driven by less common KRAS variants.
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