How pregnancy affects breast cancer risk through changes in mammary cells
Official title: Blockade of cMYC oncogenic function by pregnancy-induced alterations and remodeling of the mammary gland
Funded at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-10915587 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how being pregnant might change the cells in your breasts in a way that could help lower the chance of getting breast cancer, and it aims to find out how these changes happen so we can learn more about preventing the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $443,162 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284630-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915587 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced pregnancy, particularly those under the age of 25.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been pregnant or are not at risk for breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how pregnancy alters the molecular and cellular environment of mammary epithelial cells, potentially reducing the risk of breast cancer. It focuses on understanding the changes in the epigenome and the role of the c-MYC oncogene in this process. By using various methods, including genetic models and biochemical analyses, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the protective effects of pregnancy against breast cancer. The findings could lead to new insights into breast cancer prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for reducing breast cancer risk in women.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that pregnancy can have protective effects against breast cancer, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
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Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
Cold Spring Harbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dos Santos, Camila — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Dos Santos, Camila
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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.