# Peripheral Nerve Regulation of Pancreas Cancer Progression

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH · 2024 · $622,548

## Abstract

Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and most patients are
refractory to currently available therapies. However, we have observed that sensory denervation slows or even
halts the progression from precancer stages to malignant disease in a transgenic mouse model of pancreatic
ductal adenocarcinoma. This work contributed to a resurgence of interest in understanding the role of the
nervous system in cancer with the thought being that targeting nerves could be a novel way to improve
therapeutic efficacy. We have found that both sensory and sympathetic neurons express membrane bound
proteins recognized by immunologists as checkpoint proteins. Specific Aim 1 of this study will examine the impact
of sensory nerves on immune cell functions within the emerging tumor microenvironment, including the specific
contribution of neuronally expressed immune checkpoint proteins to tumor growth and immune responses.
Importantly, both sensory and sympathetic nerves have also been implicated in the development of secondary
lymphoid structures. In Specific Aim 2 of this study, we will evaluate changes in the innervation of draining lymph
nodes. We will examine whether changes in sensory and sympathetic innervation of the lymph nodes or neural
expression of checkpoint proteins contribute to a pro-tumorigenic immune response. We will also determine if
the lymph node innervating nerves are a therapeutic target and/or a prognostic biomarker. Finally, in Specific
Aim 3, we will evaluate whether combining chemotherapy or checkpoint therapy with interventions that directly
target peripheral nerves improves therapeutic efficacy. Overall these studies will provide essential information
about novel neuro-immune pathways that can be used to improve patient care.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10979425
- **Project number:** 1R01CA285585-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
- **Principal Investigator:** Jami Lynn Saloman
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $622,548
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-07-01 → 2029-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10979425

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10979425, Peripheral Nerve Regulation of Pancreas Cancer Progression (1R01CA285585-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10979425. Licensed CC0.

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