How a breast cancer enzyme disrupts TGF‑beta/SMAD signaling
Defining Breast Tumor Kinase-Dependent Dysregulation of TGF-beta/SMAD Signaling
This project looks at how a protein called BRK changes SMAD4 in invasive and triple‑negative breast cancers to explain aggressive tumor behavior and point toward new treatment ideas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250155 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers are examining how BRK — an enzyme often increased in invasive and triple‑negative breast cancers — chemically modifies SMAD4 and changes gene control. They will use lab techniques such as protein and chromatin analysis, cell models, and molecular mapping to see how BRK-dependent phosphorylation causes SMAD4 to bind the gene‑repressing NuRD complex. The team will identify which genes get turned off and how that shift may promote tumor growth and spread. The work aims to reveal specific molecular steps that could be targeted by future drugs or used as biomarkers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with invasive ductal breast cancer — especially those with triple‑negative disease — or patients willing to donate tumor tissue or clinical data would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or those with unrelated medical conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets or biomarkers for aggressive breast cancers and eventually enable more precise treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies support roles for TGF‑beta/SMAD signaling and BRK in breast cancer, but linking BRK phosphorylation of SMAD4 to NuRD‑mediated gene repression is a newer and less‑tested idea.
Where this research is happening
Little Rock, United States
- Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis — Little Rock, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miah, Md Sayem — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Miah, Md Sayem
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.