How gene 'switches' control breast development
Transcriptional regulation of mammary gland development
This work looks at how two gene regulators called E2F4 and E2F5 shape breast tissue growth and function, with the goal of improving our understanding of breast development and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11311888 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone affected by breast disease, the team studies how repressor genes E2F4 and E2F5 influence mammary gland growth using genetically altered mice and laboratory breast cells. Researchers turn off these genes and examine changes in tissue structure, cell types, and gene activity to see effects on ductal growth, involution, and alveolar formation. The project uses molecular tools (including CRISPR) and detailed gene-expression mapping to link specific transcriptional programs to normal development and to changes that may underlie cancer. Most work is done in animals and lab samples, but the aim is to reveal mechanisms that could inform future breast cancer prevention or treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients; it is carried out using mouse models and laboratory tissue samples rather than recruiting human volunteers.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate new treatments or clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biological targets that lead to new ways to prevent or treat some forms of breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies have shown that related E2F activator proteins affect mammary development, but the role of the repressor E2Fs is less well studied and represents newer, less-tested ground.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andrechek, Eran Robert — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Andrechek, Eran Robert
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.