Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Stromal Reprogramming Consortium (PSRC)
The PSRC aims to develop a multidisciplinary community of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) researchers that will expand upon traditional tumor-centric studies and ongoing immuno-oncology efforts. The network is focusing on the identification, integration, and mechanistic evaluation of additional tumor microenvironment (TME) elements driving PDAC progression and response to therapy.
The intent of this DCB and the NCI Division of Cancer Treatment and Diagnosis program (funded through RFA-CA-21-041/RFA-CA-21-046) is to bridge basic/mechanistic biology with preclinical/translational research. PSRC also aims to adopt a comprehensive “Tumor-TME Co-Organizer” research model in the pursuit of novel biology-backed targets involved in modulating multi-directional tumor-microenvironment dynamics. This expansion is designed to expose new biology-backed vulnerabilities that will inform the design and testing of more effective combinatorial approaches in pre-clinical platforms and near future clinical evaluation.
PSRC News
New grants for PSRC were awarded in Fall 2022.
Using computational approaches, novel experimental models, and patient samples, Dr. Kenneth Oliver, Dr. Gulam Manji, et al. with the Columbia PSRC Project are investigating paracrine pathways that promote pancreatic cancer. They are also exploring strategies to inhibit these signaling networks and suppress tumor growth.
The Dana-Farber PSRC Project, led by Drs. William Hahn, Andrew Aguirre, and Stephanie Dougan, is studying crosstalk between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts that promotes tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. It aims to provide new insights into pancreatic cancer biology and inform the development of new combination treatment approaches.
Dr. Bumsoo Han, Dr. Melissa Fishel, Dr. Matthew Flick, et al. with the Purdue PSRC Project are examining the role of blood clotting in the pancreatic tumor microenvironment. They are testing approaches for targeting the blood clotting system on drug delivery and treatment response in preclinical models.
The UCSD PSRC Project, led by Drs. Michael Karin, Andrew Lowy, and Robert Schwabe, is investigating the regulation of pancreatic cancer metabolism by collagen and its cleavage products. It’s also exploring novel approaches to convert cancer-associated fibroblast mediated tumor promotion to growth inhibition.
Dr. Marina Pasca Di Magliano, Dr. Howard Crawford, Dr. Timothy Frankel, Dr. Costas Lyssiotis, et al. with the University of Michigan PSRC Project are elucidating mechanisms of cancer-associated fibroblast reprogramming in pancreatic cancer. They are also and mapping cancer-associated fibroblasts across diverse patients to understand biological factors that contribute to racial cancer disparities.
Using a combination of cancer biology and computational approaches, Dr. Jen Jen Yeh, Dr. Naim Ur Rashid, Dr. Susan Tsai, et al. with the UNC-Chapel Hill PSRC Project are studying tumor-stroma interactions in pancreatic cancer and how they predict response to treatment. They are also further developing a molecular subtyping platform into a stronger prognostic tool.
PASSCODE (Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Stromal Reprograming Consortium Coordination, Data Management and Education), led by Drs. Anirban Maitra and Jack Lee, acts as an organizing “hub” for coordination, communication and collaboration within the PSRC.
PSRC Social Media
Follow the PSRC on Twitter: @PacmenC
DCB Contact for the PSRC
For additional information about PSRC, please contact Dr. Jeff Hildesheim.
Funded Projects
PSRC Research Projects (U01s)
| Institution | Principal Investigator(s) | Center Title |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia University Health Sciences | Kenneth P. Olive, Gulam A. Manji | Elucidation and targeting of paracrine cascades in PDAC |
| Dana-Farber Cancer Institute | William C Hahn, Andrew J. Aguirre, Stephanie Dougan | Stromal modulation of pancreatic malignant cell state and therapeutic sensitivity |
| Purdue University | Bumsoo Han, Melissa S. Fishel, Matthew J. Flick | Reprogramming PDAC stroma by targeting coagulation in the tumor microenvironment |
| University of California, San Diego | Michael Karin, Andrew M. Lowy, Robert F. Schwabe | Regulation of PDAC metabolism and immunity by collagen and its cleavage products |
| University of Michigan | Marina Pasca Di Magliano, Howard C. Crawford, Timothy L. Frankel, Costas A. Lyssiotis |
Fibroblast orchestration of the immune response in pancreatic cancer |
| University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill | Jen Jen Yeh, Naim Ur Rashid, Susan Tsai | Integrating tumor and stroma to understand and predict treatment response |
PSRC Coordinating and Data Management Center (U24)
| Institution | Principal Investigator(s) | Center Title |
|---|---|---|
| MD Anderson Cancer Center | Anirban Maitra, Jack J. Lee | PASSCODE (Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Stromal Reprogramming Consortium Coordination, Data Management and Education) |