Finding genetic factors that affect triple-negative breast cancer

Determining susceptibility loci in triple negative breast cancer using a novel pre-clinical model

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCI CTR · NIH-11261517

Researchers are using a new genetically diverse mouse model to find which genes make triple-negative breast cancer start, grow faster, or resist treatment so future therapies can better help people with TNBC.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE HEALTH SCI CTR (nih funded)
Locations1 site (MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11261517 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project uses a well-known TNBC mouse model crossed into a large, genetically diverse family of mice so each animal has a defined and reproducible genome. By comparing tumor behavior across these different genetic backgrounds, scientists aim to pinpoint genetic spots that modify how aggressive tumors are and how they respond to therapies. The team applies systems genetics and genomic analysis to link genetic variation with tumor traits. Results are meant to highlight human-relevant genetic factors that could guide new treatment targets or predict who may respond to specific therapies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, especially those with aggressive or treatment-resistant tumors, are the group most likely to benefit from findings of this research.

Not a fit: Patients with non‑triple‑negative breast cancer subtypes or those needing immediate treatment changes are less likely to see direct short-term benefit from this preclinical work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal genetic targets and markers that help develop better, more personalized therapies for people with triple-negative breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous single-background mouse models often failed to predict patient responses, but preliminary results from these genetically diverse mouse hybrids show promising differences that could reveal human-relevant genetic modifiers.

Where this research is happening

MEMPHIS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Model, Breast Cancer Patient, Breast Cancer cell line

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.