Research Overview

Pancreatic Cancer

We study cell signaling and metabolism in numerous cancer model systems, using biochemical, cellular and mouse models of disease. Our primary goal is to develop new therapeutic strategies targeting pancreatic cancer. Pancreatic cancer has a 5-year survival rate of 11%, and new therapies are desperately needed.

KRAS Mutation Specific Signaling

KRAS is mutated in ~95% of pancreatic cancers. Despite the more than 200 different RAS missense mutations found in human cancers, it was widely assumed that all RAS mutant proteins shared identical defects in function and acted similarly as cancer drivers. Applying biochemical, structural and cellular analyses, we study how mutation specific signaling in pancreatic cancer leads to unique therapeutic vulnerabilities

Developing a mouse model of KRAS G12R pancreatic cancer

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Numerous genetically engineered mouse models of cancer have been developed. However, nearly all models have utilized the KRAS G12D mutation of tumorigenesis. We have shown that the KRAS G12R mutation imparts different metabolic and therapeutic sensitivities, yet has been understudied. We have generated a mouse model of PDAC expressing the KRAS G12R mutation. We are using this newly developed model to study mutation specific difference in tumor development and the tumor microenvironment.