UC-developed pancreatic cancer model yields significant discoveries
Technology licensed 15 times over 20 years
When the University of Cincinnati launched its Millennium Research Plan with the goal to double funded research, cancer research was high on the list. And Andrew Lowy, MD, was on the faculty studying pancreatic cancer, looking for the best treatment for tumors.
The plan’s emphasis, said John Hutton, dean of the UC College of Medicine, was on “translational research, taking the basic science and translating it into direct patient care delivery.” Lowy, now chief of surgical oncology at Moore’s Cancer Center, University of California-San Diego, translated that edict into results.
Lowy’s laboratory developed a mouse strain called Pdx-cre that leads to excision of DNA specifically in pancreatic tissue, allowing for the turning on and off of genes that drive the development and progression of pancreatic cancer. With colleagues at the University of Pennsylvania, they developed the very first mouse models of human pancreatic cancer (called KC and KPC), which are now used to study ways to both diagnose and treat pancreatic cancer.
“They have become the most widely used models in the field worldwide,” Lowy said recently.
Making the impossible possible
Lowy’s model has proved invaluable because pancreatic cancer has long had one of the highest mortality rates of all cancers. This is largely due to its being extremely hard to diagnose in early stages, before it spreads to other organs and becomes irreversibly terminal.
Pancreatic cancer is also difficult to treat with surgery in most cases, and it tends to be resistant to chemotherapy and radiation. So early detection is even more crucial than usual.
The Pdx-Cre strain has led to numerous significant discoveries over the last 20 years and has supported the development of new treatments for pancreatic cancer patients. UC has licensed it to more than 15 companies seeking a cure.
The technology transfer team, housed in the 1819 Innovation Hub, offers researchers like Lowy the resources and expertise needed to develop their ideas, attract outside sponsors and secure patents and rights. Tech Transfer proudly helps inventors and innovators advance their knowledge to make a positive impact on society.
Featured image at top: While on the UC faculty, Andrew Lowy created a mouse model for pancreatic cancer. Photo courtesy of UC San Diego.
Learn more about UC's Tech Transfer
The 1819 Innovation Hub’s technology transfer team facilitates the transfer of inventions from academic research labs to market. Find out more at Inventor's Guide to Technology Transfer at the University of Cincinnati and Take your NEXT step.
Related Stories
UC’s microchip training includes innovative VR
July 2, 2024
To build a virtual microchip factory, University of Cincinnati doctoral students turned to the real one where they work. UC launched a new training program for microchip manufacturing in advance of the new fabrication plant Intel Corp. is opening in Ohio.
University-wide Qualtrics license coming soon
July 2, 2024
The new university-wide Qualtrics license will provide current UC students, faculty, and staff members access to Qualtrics software, support, and technical assistance under a centralized license.
The entrepreneur’s guide to the power of networking
As an entrepreneur, connections with other business leaders can be just as valuable as the ideas and products that are brought to market. You can open doors to exciting opportunities, gain valuable insights and establish a robust support system through meaningful connections. Here’s why networking is essential and how you can leverage it to your advantage.
Bridging creativity and commerce
July 1, 2024
At the University of Cincinnati’s Carl H. Lindner College of Business, Victoria Mrofchak stands out not just for her academic excellence but for her remarkable blend of creativity and business acumen. A fourth-year marketing major with a minor in management and fine arts, scholarships help Mrofchak shape her future at the intersection of art and commerce.
Get to know Lisa Huffman, new dean of UC's CECH
July 1, 2024
UC News spoke with incoming CECH dean, Lisa Huffman, about her past experiences, the role family plays in her life, academic philosophies, goals for her time in this position and more. As we welcome the newest dean to University of Cincinnati, we encourage you to read on to learn more about Dean Huffman.
Meet UC’s Miss Ohio
July 1, 2024
UC biomedical science student Stephanie Finoti credits UC for helping to prepare her for the Miss Ohio Scholarship Pageant. She will represent Ohio in the national competition in January.
UC alum visits campus to teach students about footwear design
June 28, 2024
A 2011 graduate of design, UC alum Charley Hudak has seen his career trajectory go from intern to creative director for Tiger Woods' new athletic footwear brand, Sun Day Red. While he may run with the biggest cat in golf, Hudak doesn't forget his Bearcat roots and comes back each summer to teach youth about footwear design at DAAP Camps.
Cincinnati researchers want to know if MRIs can work better
June 28, 2024
WVXU and the Cincinnati Business Courier highlighted a new collaboration between the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, UC Health GE HealthCare, JobsOhio, REDI Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children’s to create an MRI Research and Development Center of Excellence located on UC’s medical campus.
UC 1819 Innovation Hub workshop spreads AI awareness
June 28, 2024
Microsoft and Disrupt Now joined forces to run a June 24-27 seminar at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub teaching Cincinnati residents how to responsibly use AI.
Free Wi-Fi, work area coming to Greater Cincinnati
June 27, 2024
St. Lawrence Park in Price Hill now has free Wi-Fi and a furnished outdoor space for community members to access digital needs. The space is part of The Nodes Project, which stands for “Neighborhoods of Design Engagement": a collaboration between UC DAAP communication designers and community entities.