How mitochondrial DNA affects breast aging and cancer subtype
Understanding the influence of Mitochondrial DNA haplotypes on breast aging and cancer
This project looks at whether differences in mitochondrial DNA change how breasts age and which type of breast cancer women may develop.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11296919 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be asked to help researchers link mitochondrial genetic differences to changes in breast cells as women get older. Scientists will analyze human breast tissue and use single-cell RNA sequencing and protein measurements (including SIRT3 and ERα pathways) to compare cell types that age differently. The team will combine those human sample results with laboratory models to see how different mitochondrial haplotypes influence cell aging and cancer-related changes. The work aims to find biological markers that could explain why some women develop certain breast cancer subtypes as they age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be adult women willing to provide breast tissue samples or clinical data, including older women and those with or without a history of breast cancer.
Not a fit: People who cannot provide tissue or clinical information, or whose condition is unrelated to breast biology (for example many male patients), are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify mitochondrial markers that help predict breast aging and cancer subtype, which may guide earlier detection or tailored prevention strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous single-cell studies have linked mitochondrial decline and SIRT3 to aging in breast cells, but applying mitochondrial haplotypes to predict cancer subtype is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Germain, Doris a — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Germain, Doris a
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.