How DNA 'switches' (enhancers) change in breast cancer
Mechanisms of enhancer dynamics and assembly in gene regulation
Researchers are looking at how tiny DNA switches called enhancers change during hormone-driven breast cancer and with therapies like tamoxifen to help people with estrogen-receptor positive tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330375 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This program maps how enhancer regions of DNA turn genes on or off in breast cancer cells and tissues. The team will examine rapid enhancer responses to hormones and longer-term enhancer reprogramming that appears when cancers become resistant to tamoxifen. Work combines lab models, analysis of patient-derived samples, and advanced molecular and computational methods to chart enhancer chromatin organization and the proteins that assemble there. The goal is to connect these molecular changes to how tumors respond to hormone therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with estrogen-receptor positive (hormone-driven) breast cancer, especially those whose tumors no longer respond to tamoxifen, would be the most relevant candidates to contribute samples or take part in related patient-facing activities.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are not driven by estrogen receptors or those seeking immediate treatment changes are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic science program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or overcome hormone therapy resistance in estrogen-receptor positive breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown enhancer reprogramming can drive therapy resistance in breast cancer, and this program builds on that work using more detailed chromatin and molecular mapping.
Where this research is happening
San Antonio, United States
- University of Texas Hlth Science Center — San Antonio, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Zhijie "Jason" — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Liu, Zhijie "Jason"
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.