How interferon signals influence breast cancer treatment and resistance
Regulation of Type I Interferon Pro-tumor Effects in Breast Cancer
This project looks for ways to block harmful interferon-driven genes in breast cancer cells so radiation and chemotherapy work better for people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160510 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Some immune signals called Type I interferons can both help and hurt breast cancer treatment by turning on a group of genes (the IRDS) that make tumors resistant to chemo and radiation. The researchers are studying how a chromatin protein called ARID4B controls those resistance genes in breast cancer cell lines and laboratory models. They aim to find ways to block the IRDS-driven, pro-tumor actions while keeping interferon's helpful anti-cancer effects. The work will use lab experiments and analysis of tumor samples to guide potential strategies that could later be tested in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer—especially those whose tumors show resistance to chemotherapy or radiation—would be the most likely to benefit from this line of research.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not rely on the IRDS pathway for treatment resistance or those with other cancer types are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make resistant breast cancers respond better to standard chemotherapy or radiotherapy and reduce the chance of relapse.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked the IRDS signature to treatment resistance, but selectively blocking the IRDS while preserving interferon's anti-tumor effects is a newer and less-tested strategy.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- University of Maryland Baltimore — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wu, Mei-Yi — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Wu, Mei-Yi
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.