Blocking serine dependence in luminal breast cancer
Targeting Serine Auxotrophy in Luminal Breast Cancer
Explores whether starving luminal breast cancers of the amino acid serine can slow or stop their growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11126435 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers found that many luminal (hormone-receptor–positive) breast tumors make very little of an enzyme called PSAT1 and therefore cannot make serine on their own. The team analyzes gene data from human tumors to find which cancers are serine-dependent, then uses laboratory models to test ways to cut off serine supply. Approaches include blocking serine production pathways and limiting available serine (for example with drugs or diet) to see if tumors stop growing. The work is focused on treatments tailored to tumors that lack the ability to synthesize serine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with luminal (hormone-receptor–positive) breast cancer whose tumors show low PSAT1 or low serine-synthesis activity would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with basal or other breast cancer subtypes that can make their own serine (high PSAT1) are unlikely to benefit from serine-restriction strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could produce a new targeted approach that stops growth of luminal breast cancers that depend on external serine.
How similar studies have performed: Previous attempts to block serine synthesis were limited by circulating serine, but early laboratory findings support that targeting tumors that cannot make serine may be an effective and more specific approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coloff, Jonathan L. — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Coloff, Jonathan L.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.