ERα's RNA-binding role in ER-positive breast cancer
ERa is a novel RNA-binding protein controlling breast cancer
This research is testing whether blocking the RNA-binding activity of estrogen receptor alpha or targeting proteins it controls can help people with ER-positive breast cancer, especially those whose tumors no longer respond to tamoxifen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285262 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers found that estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) can bind RNA and that this RNA-binding helps some breast cancers grow and resist tamoxifen. They will identify the RNAs ERα binds using sequencing, use CRISPR to alter ERα's RNA-binding domain, and study the effects on cancer cell growth in lab models and mice. The team will also test whether inhibiting ERα-controlled proteins such as the anti-apoptotic protein MCL1 can re-sensitize tamoxifen-resistant cancer cells. The goal is to reveal new targets or strategies that could restore treatment response for people with resistant ER-positive breast cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors have become resistant to tamoxifen, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with ER-negative (including most triple-negative) breast cancers are unlikely to benefit from treatments that target ERα's RNA-binding function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies or combination approaches that overcome tamoxifen resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: The idea that ERα binds RNA is a novel finding, and while drugs against anti-apoptotic proteins like MCL1 have shown some promise, targeting ERα's RNA-binding activity is largely new and not yet tested in patients.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruggero, Davide — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Ruggero, Davide
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.