Chemical inducers of proximity to block FOXA1 in breast cancer
Official title: Chemical inducers of proximity to antagonize FOXA1
Funded at Scripps Research Institute, the · NIH-11449980 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A cutting-edge drug-like molecule is being explored to block a key cancer gene, FOXA1, which helps breast cancer cells grow and spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | July 20, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $744,054 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA303840-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449980 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be individuals with breast cancer whose tumors show dependence on FOXA1 activity or related pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on FOXA1 signaling may see little or no benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project aims to use small molecules that covalently bind a critical site on FOXA1 to alter where it attaches in the genome, potentially shutting down cancer-promoting programs. By targeting the Wing2 subdomain and a hotspot C258, researchers hope to create chemical inducers of proximity that disrupt FOXA1’s ability to drive cancer cell growth. The work builds on prior findings that these ligands can change FOXA1’s DNA binding patterns, with potential to slow tumor progression in breast cancer models. The study combines chemistry, proteomics, and cancer biology to translate this concept toward therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new therapies that specifically hinder FOXA1-driven cancer pathways in patients with breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work demonstrated that covalent FOXA1 ligands can rewire FOXA1 binding across the genome, supporting the plausibility of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Scripps Research Institute, the
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erb, Michael a — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Erb, Michael a
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.