How changes in a fat molecule called ceramide affect PD-L1 and treatment response in triple-negative breast cancer
Ceramide metabolism and the regulation of PD-L1 signaling to control metastasis and resistance to immunotherapy in TNBC
This research looks at whether lowering ceramide levels in triple-negative breast cancer changes PD-L1 behavior and could help people respond better to immunotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172568 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about lab work that explores how reduced activity of an enzyme (CerS4) and lower ceramide lipids make cancer cells more likely to spread and resist immunotherapy. The team studies where PD-L1 sits in the cell (on the surface versus internalized) and how internal PD-L1 promotes signals that drive metastasis, using cancer cell lines, animal models, and tumor samples. They will test whether restoring ceramide levels or blocking linked pathways (like TGF-β and Sonic hedgehog signaling) can prevent spread and improve response to PD-1/PD-L1 drugs. Findings could point to new drug targets or biomarkers to guide treatment choices for people with TNBC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those with metastatic disease or tumors showing altered ceramide metabolism or PD-L1 patterns, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non–triple-negative breast cancer subtypes or whose tumors do not rely on PD-L1 or ceramide-related pathways are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to make immunotherapy work better and slow or prevent metastasis in people with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked PD-L1 levels and lipid signaling to tumor behavior and immunotherapy response, but targeting ceramide-driven PD-L1 regulation is a relatively new and mostly preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ogretmen, Besim — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Ogretmen, Besim
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.