How a specific immune cell (Lyve-1 macrophages) may help breast tumors grow
Defining the contributions of Lyve-1 expressing macrophages to breast cancer growth and progression
Researchers are finding out how a type of immune cell called Lyve-1 macrophages helps breast tumors grow and spread in people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11286811 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse breast cancer models to track where Lyve-1–positive macrophages come from and how they sit within the tumor surroundings. Scientists will study how these macrophages bind to and remodel hyaluronan in the tumor extracellular matrix and how that remodeling helps cancer cells invade. The team will test the molecular mechanisms in lab models and then look for the same macrophage patterns in human breast tumor samples using spatial profiling. Results will guide whether targeting this macrophage group might be useful for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with breast cancer who can provide tumor tissue samples or enroll at the University of Minnesota for tissue-based research.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those who cannot provide tumor samples are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to slow tumor growth or block cancer spread by targeting a specific macrophage population.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research shows tumor-associated macrophages can promote breast cancer, but focusing on this specific Lyve-1–positive macrophage subtype and its matrix-remodeling role is a newer approach still being tested.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schwertfeger, Kathryn L — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Schwertfeger, Kathryn L
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.