How aging and the age of pregnancy affect breast tissue health and cancer risk
Defining the cellular and molecular effects of aging and age of pregnancy on breast tissue homeostasis and cancer initiation
This study is looking at how getting older and having your first baby at a later age might affect breast health and the risk of breast cancer, especially by examining changes in breast cells, to help understand why older moms might have issues like low milk supply and a higher chance of developing cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10848383 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of aging and the age at which a woman has her first pregnancy on breast tissue health and the risk of developing breast cancer. The study aims to understand the cellular and molecular changes that occur in breast cells due to these factors, particularly focusing on how they affect the epigenome of mammary epithelial cells. By using advanced techniques like epigenomics and transcriptomics, the researchers will explore how these changes influence tissue development and cancer initiation. The findings could provide insights into why older mothers may face challenges such as insufficient milk production and increased cancer risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, particularly those over the age of 35.
Not a fit: Patients who are not pregnant or who have not had children may not receive direct benefits from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and prevention strategies for breast cancer in women who have children later in life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that understanding the epigenomic changes related to pregnancy can lead to significant insights into breast cancer prevention, indicating a promising avenue for this study.
Where this research is happening
Cold Spring Harbor, United States
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory — Cold Spring Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dos Santos, Camila — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Dos Santos, Camila
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.