Epigenetic targets in hormone‑resistant breast cancer
Epigenetic dependencies and vulnerabilities in endocrine-resistant breast cancer
This work looks at whether blocking a specific epigenetic complex called CoREST‑SWI/SNF can stop or slow estrogen receptor–positive breast cancers that have stopped responding to hormone therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11289422 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will study how an epigenetic complex (CoREST together with SWI/SNF) helps some ER‑positive breast cancers become resistant to anti‑estrogen drugs. They will use tumor samples and laboratory models to map the molecular changes that drive resistance and identify points of vulnerability. The team will use genetic tools and drug-like inhibitors in cells and animal models to see if blocking this axis can halt tumor growth or restore sensitivity to hormone therapies. The goal is to point toward new treatments or drug targets for people with endocrine‑resistant disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer that has become resistant to anti‑estrogen therapies, especially those with recurrent or metastatic disease, would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with breast cancers that are ER‑negative or whose tumors rely on unrelated pathways are unlikely to benefit directly from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets that slow tumor growth or restore hormone sensitivity for patients with endocrine‑resistant ER+ breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting epigenetic regulators has shown promise in laboratory models and some early clinical work, but applying this specific CoREST–SWI/SNF approach in patients is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morey, Lluis — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Morey, Lluis
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.