How specific RNA molecules influence estrogen-driven cell growth
Official title: Analysis of Divergent Transcripts in Estrogen-Dependent Signaling
Funded at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley · NIH-11461578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether certain RNA molecules change how estrogen fuels growth in estrogen-receptor-positive cells, which is relevant to people with ER-positive breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Rio Grande Valley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Edinburg, United States) |
| Project start | September 10, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $149,999 |
| NIH project number | 7R16GM149497-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11461578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with ER-positive breast cancer or other estrogen-driven conditions who might donate tumor samples or be considered for future therapies informed by this work would be the most relevant participants.
✕Less likely to help
People with ER-negative cancers or conditions unrelated to estrogen signaling would be unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at small RNA molecules called divergent transcripts that are produced near active genes when estrogen binds its receptor in ER-positive cells. Using cell-based and genomic techniques, the team will map these RNAs, study a newly discovered one, and test how it influences estrogen-driven gene activity and cell growth. Laboratory experiments will probe the molecular steps by which these RNAs interact with estrogen receptor alpha and downstream signaling. The results aim to clarify mechanisms behind abnormal estrogen signaling that drive diseases like ER-positive breast cancer and may suggest new targets for future therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could identify new molecular targets or biomarkers to improve diagnosis or treatment of estrogen-driven conditions such as ER-positive breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous genomic studies have identified divergent RNAs and hinted at roles in hormone signaling, but functional testing of specific E2-regulated divergent transcripts is relatively new and still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Edinburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gadad, Shrikanth — University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
- Study coordinator: Gadad, Shrikanth
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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.