How neurofibromin affects gene regulation in breast cancer
Official title: Impact of neurofibromin on ER-alpha and nuclear speck post-transcriptional gene regulation
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-10907773 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called neurofibromin affects gene activity in breast cancer cells, which could help us understand why some tumors resist treatment and how they might respond to therapies, so patients can get better care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $47,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F99CA284282-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10907773 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with neurofibromin mutations or overexpression of RNA binding proteins.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer types or those without mutations in neurofibromin may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of neurofibromin, a tumor suppressor protein, in the regulation of gene expression related to breast cancer. It focuses on how alternative splicing, a process that modifies RNA transcripts, is influenced by neurofibromin and estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) in breast cancer cells. By examining the interactions between RNA binding proteins and nuclear structures, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression and treatment resistance. Patients may benefit from insights into how their tumors might respond to therapies based on these molecular interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for breast cancer patients by targeting the molecular mechanisms that drive tumor growth and resistance.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of RNA splicing in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dischinger, Patrick — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Dischinger, Patrick
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.