How TGF‑beta makes breast cancer cells change and become more aggressive
TGFbeta-regulated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)
Researchers are exploring how a molecule called TGF‑beta drives breast cancer cells to become stem‑like, treatment‑resistant, and more likely to spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11243532 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will work with breast cancer cells and tumor models to see how TGF‑beta and a protein called hnRNP E1 trigger a change known as epithelial‑mesenchymal transition (EMT) that creates tumor‑initiating, stem‑like cells. They will measure a specific long noncoding RNA called Platr18 that turns on during this process and examine cell behaviors such as forming mammospheres and resisting chemotherapy. The team uses molecular tests, cultured cells, and breast tumor models to track markers of EMT and cancer stem cells. The goal is to find key steps in this pathway that could be blocked to reduce tumor spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer—particularly those with tumors that are metastatic, recurrent, or suspected to show EMT‑like features—would be the most relevant group for this research.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or whose tumors are driven by very different mechanisms are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets to prevent breast cancers from becoming treatment‑resistant and metastatic.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies support a role for TGF‑beta and EMT in creating cancer stem cells, but therapies that directly block this process remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Howe, Philip H — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Howe, Philip H
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.