Genes that shape the tumor surroundings and immune response in breast cancer
Spatial functional genomics to identify regulators of the tumor microenvironment and cancer immunity
This research uses a new gene-mapping method to find genes in breast cancer that change the tumor neighborhood and weaken immune attacks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11211043 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have breast cancer, this project maps how specific genes change the mix, location, and behavior of immune and support cells around tumors using a technique called Perturb-map. The team turns genes on or off with CRISPR in tumor models and then uses spatial genomics to see how those changes move or reprogram immune cells, blood vessels, and supporting tissues. They will compare patterns across samples to identify genes that help tumors hide from or resist immune therapies. The aim is to point to targets that could be tested in future treatments or clinical trials to boost anti-tumor immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer—particularly those whose tumors do not respond well to current immunotherapy or who are interested in trials targeting the tumor microenvironment—are the main candidates for related future trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer, those who need immediate standard-of-care treatment, or patients who cannot travel or undergo research biopsies would likely not benefit directly from this project's experiments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to make immunotherapy and other treatments work better for people with breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab studies using CRISPR screens and spatial genomics have shown promise in revealing tumor–immune interactions, but applying large-scale spatial functional screens to breast cancer immunity at this scale is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brown, Brian D — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Brown, Brian D
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.