Developing a new treatment for triple negative breast cancer using engineered proteins

Engineering tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2) for triple negative breast cancer therapy

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · NIH-11032814

This study is working on a new treatment for triple negative breast cancer by improving a protein that can better target and block a harmful enzyme, helping to stop the cancer from spreading.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Jacksonville, United States)
Project IDNIH-11032814 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating a more effective treatment for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) by engineering a human protein called tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-2 (TIMP-2). The team aims to enhance the selectivity of TIMP-2 to specifically target MMP-9, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the progression and spread of TNBC. By improving the binding affinity of TIMP-2 to cancer cells, the researchers hope to block cancer invasion more effectively. The project will involve preclinical testing to evaluate the therapeutic potential of these engineered proteins in various models of TNBC.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer who may benefit from new treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of breast cancer or those who do not have breast cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more targeted and effective therapy for patients with triple negative breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting MMPs for cancer therapy, but this approach using engineered TIMP-2 is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Jacksonville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions anti-canceranti-cancer therapeuticanti-cancer therapyanticancer activity
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.