How aging changes breast stem cells that can start cancer
Aging-associated mammary cancer-initiating cells
['FUNDING_U01'] · UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER · NIH-11166373
Researchers are looking at how getting older changes breast stem cells to help prevent breast cancer in older women.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_U01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11166373 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
They compare breast stem and epithelial cells from young and older sources using mouse models and human cell samples to see which cells are more likely to start tumors. The team uses gene sequencing and lab tests to identify aging-related inflammatory and senescence signals and molecular pathways such as mTORC1 and CDK4-related activity. Where possible, they test whether blocking those pathways reduces premalignant changes in lab-grown tissues or animal models. The goal is to find markers or drug targets that could lead to ways to prevent age-related breast cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants for any human components would be older adults—especially women—who can donate breast tissue samples or join observational or prevention studies at the research sites.
Not a fit: People whose cancers are driven by inherited mutations or mechanisms unrelated to aging, or those unable to participate locally, may not directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new prevention strategies or biomarkers to reduce the risk of breast cancer that rises with age.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies in mice and human cells have shown aged mammary stem cells can be more prone to transformation, but turning those findings into preventive treatments is still early and experimental.
Where this research is happening
SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER — SAN ANTONIO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SUN, LUZHE — UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HLTH SCIENCE CENTER
- Study coordinator: SUN, LUZHE
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer Prevention, Breast Cancer Risk Factor