How a protein called Par-4 helps prevent breast cancer from coming back
Official title: Par-4 Regulation of Actomyosin Contractility as a Tumor Suppressive Mechanism in Breast Cancer
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11087498 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Par-4 to see how it affects the chances of breast cancer coming back after treatment, using special mouse models to learn more about how cancer cells survive and stay inactive, which could help find better ways to prevent cancer from returning in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $615,796 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA285322-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11087498 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those at risk of recurrence after treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer types or those whose cancer has already metastasized extensively may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the Par-4 protein in breast cancer, particularly how it influences tumor recurrence after treatment. By using genetically engineered mouse models, the study aims to understand the mechanisms behind cancer cell survival and dormancy. The researchers are exploring how Par-4 is regulated and how its expression affects the likelihood of cancer returning in patients. This work could lead to new strategies for preventing breast cancer recurrence and improving treatment outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce the risk of breast cancer recurrence, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor suppressor mechanisms, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alvarez, James V — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Alvarez, James V
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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.