How the BACH1 gene changes lactate use in triple-negative breast cancer
Understanding lactate catabolism by BACH1 in triple negative breast cancer
This research looks at whether lowering BACH1 makes triple-negative breast cancer cells use lactate differently so metabolism-targeting drugs work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | George Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11191492 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be seeing research focused on triple-negative breast cancer and a gene called BACH1 that controls how cancer cells process energy. Scientists will change BACH1 activity in lab-grown cancer cells and animal models and measure effects on mitochondrial respiration and lactate breakdown. They will test whether these changes make tumors more sensitive to drugs that attack cancer metabolism, including inhibitors tied to lactate transport. The goal is to reduce differences in how tumor cells use energy so more cancer cells respond to metabolic therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with triple-negative breast cancer would be the likely candidates for future clinical trials based on this research, especially if their tumors show signs of BACH1 activity or lactate-dependent metabolism.
Not a fit: Patients with other breast cancer subtypes or tumors that do not rely on lactate or mitochondrial metabolism are unlikely to benefit directly from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could make metabolism-targeting drugs more effective against triple-negative breast cancer and help guide new combination treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies so far show BACH1 depletion can increase sensitivity to mitochondrial inhibitors and clinical work links lactate use to MCT1, but applying BACH1 targeting to improve patient responses is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- George Washington University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Jiyoung — George Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Jiyoung
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.