How prolactin from fat cells affects breast cancer progression
Official title: Role of prolactin in adipocyte-breast cancer cell crosstalk
Funded at University of Toledo · NIH-10358133 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a hormone called prolactin, made by fat cells, might help breast cancer grow and spread, with the hope of finding new ways to predict and treat the disease for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $451,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA267923-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10358133 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with concerns about metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer conditions or those without any breast cancer diagnosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of prolactin, a hormone secreted by fat cells, in the development and spread of breast cancer. It aims to understand how prolactin activates a specific protein, PAK1, which may influence the behavior of breast cancer cells. By studying the interactions between adipocytes (fat cells) and breast cancer cells, the research seeks to identify new diagnostic tools that could predict the metastatic potential of breast cancer. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatment strategies based on these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new diagnostic tools for assessing breast cancer aggressiveness and potential treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking prolactin and PAK1 in breast cancer is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding hormone interactions in cancer progression.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Diakonova, Maria — University of Toledo
- Study coordinator: Diakonova, Maria
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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.