How collagen changes during breast cancer spread

Regulation of collagen linearization during cancer progression and metastasis

NIH-funded research St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11042172

This study is looking at how a protein called collagen helps aggressive breast cancer grow and spread, and it’s specifically checking out how a factor from the tumor cells, called WISP1, changes collagen to make it easier for cancer to invade other areas; the goal is to find new ways to treat this type of cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11042172 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of collagen, a key protein in the tumor environment, in the progression and spread of aggressive breast cancer. It focuses on understanding how cancer cells remodel collagen to facilitate their invasion and metastasis. The study will explore the mechanisms by which a specific factor secreted by tumor cells, known as WISP1, influences collagen linearization and promotes cancer spread. By identifying these processes, the research aims to uncover potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer who are experiencing or at risk of metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with non-aggressive forms of breast cancer or those without metastatic disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that inhibit cancer spread and improve outcomes for patients with aggressive breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions aggressive breast cancerBreast CancerBreast Cancer Cell
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.