How pregnancy changes the breast to block the cancer gene c-MYC
Blockade of cMYC oncogenic function by pregnancy-induced alterations and remodeling of the mammary gland
This work looks at how pregnancy reshapes breast cells so the cancer-driving gene c-MYC works less, which could help prevent breast cancer in people at risk.
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 ID | NIH-11170753 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You can think of this as research into how going through pregnancy changes the behavior of breast cells so they become less prone to cancer. The team uses mouse models that can turn on the c-MYC cancer gene, compares mammary cells from before and after pregnancy, and maps changes in DNA packaging and gene-control regions using epigenomics and biochemical tests. They will also probe specific chromatin regulators to see which ones maintain the post-pregnancy protective state. Although the work is done in the lab, the findings aim to point toward ways to mimic pregnancy's protective effects in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This is preclinical lab research that does not enroll participants, but its results would be most relevant to people at increased risk for breast cancer, including those with BRCA1-related risk.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate therapy for active breast cancer are unlikely to benefit directly because this project is focused on laboratory and animal studies rather than patient treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new prevention or treatment approaches that mimic pregnancy-driven changes to lower breast cancer risk.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiology and rodent studies consistently show pregnancy can lower breast cancer risk, but translating that protection into targeted ways to blunt c-MYC is a relatively new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Cold Spring Harbor, United States
- 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
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.