# Identification of Key Regulators in Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis

> **NIH NIH K22** · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · 2020 · $162,000

## Abstract

Project summary
Main goal of proposed research is to identify key regulators of metastasis in pancreatic ductal
adenocarcinoma (PDA). I have developed a pancreatic organoid culture system and
characterized organoid transplantation models to study PDA progression. To extend our
knowledge on PDA metastasis, I have established the paired murine tumor and metastasis-
derived organoids and profiled epigenetic landscape of these organoid series. Proposed
research includes establishment and epigenetic profiling of mouse and human PDA organoids
in collaboration with various experts in each field such as pancreatic cancer biology and cancer
epigenetics. Having a clinical background as a veterinarian (D.V.M.), I have been trained in
various preclinical models, particularly genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and
recently developed organoid culture models to study human disease. Under the K22 Career
Development award, I will identify key transcription factors to regulate epigenetic alterations and
dissect the role of axon guidance pathway in PDA metastasis using these preclinical models. To
achieve my goal to become an independent investigator and a leader in PDA biology, I will
acquire relevant knowledge and skills through collaborations and courses in cancer epigenetics,
bioinformatics and translational medicine. In addition, taking advantage of available resources in
Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, I will be fully equipped with all necessary knowledge and skills.
Successful completion of proposed research will reveal potential therapeutic targets and expand
our current understanding of PDA progression.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9996580
- **Project number:** 5K22CA226037-03
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- **Principal Investigator:** Chang-il Hwang
- **Activity code:** K22 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $162,000
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-01 → 2021-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9996580

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9996580, Identification of Key Regulators in Pancreatic Cancer Metastasis (5K22CA226037-03). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9996580. Licensed CC0.

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