FOXA1 protein changes in hormone-positive breast cancer
Posttranslational Regulation of FOXA1 in Breast Cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER/ UNIV/PR · NIH-11249526
Looking at whether chemical changes to the FOXA1 protein help estrogen-positive breast cancers stop responding to hormone therapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER/ UNIV/PR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN JUAN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11249526 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
I have hormone-positive breast cancer and my tumor no longer responds to endocrine treatment. Researchers are studying a protein called FOXA1 that helps the estrogen receptor attach to DNA and can be redirected by inflammation and chemical tags such as acetylation. They will use laboratory models, patient tumor samples, and genome-wide methods like ATAC-seq to map where FOXA1 binds and what controls its behavior. The team aims to identify molecular switches that could be targeted to prevent or reverse hormone therapy resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with estrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors have developed resistance to endocrine (hormone) therapies, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients with ER-negative breast cancers or whose care does not involve endocrine resistance are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could reveal new targets for treatments that prevent or overcome resistance to hormone therapy in ER-positive breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab and animal studies targeting transcription factor activity or modifying acetylation have shown promise, but direct targeting of FOXA1 in patients is largely untested.
Where this research is happening
SAN JUAN, UNITED STATES
- COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER/ UNIV/PR — SAN JUAN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FRANCO, HECTOR LUIS — COMPREHENSIVE CANCER CENTER/ UNIV/PR
- Study coordinator: FRANCO, HECTOR LUIS
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.