Project title: Elucidating the role of aging in GEP-NET development
Suzann Duan, PhD University of California, Irvine
- Status: Active
- Year(s): 2025, 2026, 2027
- Grant Type: Investigator
- Research Type: Basic
- Primary Tumor Site: Gastroenteropancreatic
- Area of Inquiry: Biomarkers
What critical neuroendocrine cancer problem/question will researchers try to answer?
The risk of developing neuroendocrine tumors in the GI tract increases with age, yet scientists have a limited understanding of how aging drives the disease process. Using new model systems, we will identify how age-related signals contribute to NET development and explore potential paths to reverse this process.
Why is this important?
This could lead to the discovery of new biomarkers for earlier detection and open the door to treatments that target aging-related pathways, some of which already have FDA-approved drugs.
What will the researchers do?
We will examine how normal aging changes the gut’s support cells, called glial cells, and makes them more vulnerable to becoming cancerous. By uncovering the specific age-related signals that reprogram these cells, the research could explain why NETs are so common later in life.
How might this improve the treatment of neuroendocrine cancer?
This focus on the intersection of cancer and aging is novel and could transform how we approach prevention and therapy for NETs in an aging population.
Additional Details
- City: Irvine
- State: California
- Country: United States
- Grant Duration: 2 years
DISCLAIMER
NETRF funds laboratory research to understand the development of neuroendocrine tumors and translational research to explore new concepts in treatment. Research grant descriptions and research updates from NETRF are not intended to serve as medical advice. It can take years for research discoveries to be fully validated and approved for patient care. Always consult your health care providers about your treatment options.