How enhancer RNAs help MYC drive breast cancer
Enhancer RNAs Boost MYC-Chromatin Interaction to Regulate Gene Expression and Tumorigenesis
This project looks at whether small RNAs near genes, called enhancer RNAs, help the cancer protein MYC control gene activity and fuel growth in breast tumors, especially ER-positive breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160697 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The researchers are studying how MYC, a gene often overactive in breast cancer, might bind to RNA molecules called enhancer RNAs to control other genes. They will focus on a specific enhancer RNA called MERG1 and use lab tools like CRISPR, molecular assays, and cancer cell models to see how MERG1 affects tumor growth. The team will map the network of MYC–eRNA interactions to learn which genes are switched on or off and how that changes cancer behavior. This is laboratory-focused work that may also use patient tumor samples or models derived from breast cancers to connect the findings to real tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with ER-positive (hormone receptor–positive) breast cancer, especially those willing to provide tissue samples or seen at participating hospitals, are the most relevant candidates for this research.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer, those with other cancer types, or patients expecting immediate changes to their treatment should not expect direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new biomarkers or molecular targets that lead to better treatments for some breast cancers in the future.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that enhancer RNAs can influence gene control, but applying this specifically to MYC and the MERG1 eRNA is a novel and early-stage approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Da — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Yang, Da
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.