How certain fats might change breast tissue toward a nerve-like state
Lipid-initiated epigenetic reprogramming of the breast to a neural phenotype
Looking at whether exposure to specific fatty acids can reprogram breast tissue in ways linked to estrogen receptor–negative breast cancer using tissue and lab models from women with cancer in one breast.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11300184 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project examines tissue from the opposite (unaffected) breast of women who have cancer in one breast to look for local changes that might signal risk for ER-negative tumors. Researchers will expose lab-grown breast cells and microstructures to a medium-chain fatty acid (octanoic acid) and track changes in gene activity and epigenetic marks. The team previously found a lipid metabolism gene signature in unaffected contralateral breast tissue and now aims to connect lipid-driven metabolism to activation of neural gene programs. The work combines human tissue samples with laboratory models to trace molecular steps that could link fats to ER-negative breast cancer development.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Women with newly diagnosed unilateral breast cancer who are undergoing surgery and willing to provide tissue from their contralateral (unaffected) breast would be ideal candidates for related tissue-based research.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or those not having surgery (or unwilling to donate tissue) are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal tissue markers or pathways that help identify women at higher risk for ER-negative breast cancer and point to new prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work identified a lipid metabolism gene signature in contralateral breast tissue, but using fatty-acid–driven epigenetic reprogramming to explain neural-gene activation is a novel, exploratory approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Clare, Susan E. — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Clare, Susan E.
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.