MAYO CLINIC ARIZONA
Grant: $152,000 - National Institutes of Health - Aug. 27, 2009
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Award Description: The studies of the parent grant (CA112442, 'Eosinophil Recruitment and Activation in Solid Tumors') leading to this Supplement have provided important insights as to the magnitude and extent of tumor associated eosinophilia. More importantly, these studies have demonstrated that the eosinophilia associated with cancers has growth modulating effects on the tumors. In particular, the parent grant demonstrated that in the absence of infiltrating eosinophils tumor burden was decreased in two independent mouse models relative to wild type controls. These data suggest that tumor associated eosinophils elicit one or more signals that lead to an increase in tumor growth. In addition, the studies of the parent grant showed that eosinophil degranulation, specifically the release of eosinophil peroxidase, was a prominent effector function linked with the effects on tumor growth. The studies of this Supplement represent an expansion of the parent grant testing the hypothesis that eosinophils represent an under-appreciated therapeutic target of tumors that display a significant tissue eosinophilia. The Supplement continues to capitalize on our unique array of novel transgenic and gene knockout mouse models as well as a wealth of eosinophil-specific antibodies. Our objectives will be to focus efforts on the role(s) of eosinophils in the growth and metatstasis of pancreatic cancer. These objectives will be achieved by completing the following Specific Aims: (1) To determine the metastasis; (2) To determine the extent that the release of eosinophil peroxidase (i.e., eosinophil degranulation) contributes to pancreatic cancer growth. In the short/immediate term, the Supplement will test our unique hypothesis suggesting that instead of being destructive effector cells leading to tumor reduction, eosinophil are actually pro-tumorigenic cells whose presence is a prognostic indicator of expanded growth and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. The expanded mouse model studies of this Supplement will provide immediate employment opportunities for technical support staff and a senior Research Associate. In turn, these short/immediate objectives support our long range goal: Expansion of our existing research base to provide additional employment and training opportunities investigating eosinophils in cancer. Our strategy for sustained growth is two fold: (i) Establishment of new experimental goals to secure extramural grant funds and (ii) Translation of these experimental animal studies to novel previously under appreciated therapeutic strategies to treat pancreatic cancer patients and improve care.
Project Description: As defined in the award description field.
Jobs Summary: This project supports staff with current Mayo appointments. (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: Less Than 50% Completed
This award's data was last updated on Aug. 27, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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