How the environment around breast cells influences cancer development

Microenvironmental regulation of breast tumorigenesis

NIH-funded research University of California-Irvine · NIH-10981959

This study is looking at how changes in the BRCA1 gene, which helps fix DNA, can affect breast tissue and possibly lead to breast cancer, with the hope of finding new ways to prevent or treat the disease for people with these gene mutations.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California-Irvine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Irvine, United States)
Project IDNIH-10981959 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how mutations in the BRCA1 gene, which is crucial for DNA repair, affect the surrounding cellular environment in breast tissue and contribute to the initiation of breast cancer. The study focuses on understanding the changes in both the breast epithelial cells and the surrounding fibroblasts that may promote pre-cancerous conditions. By examining the interactions between these cells, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms that lead to breast cancer in individuals with BRCA1 mutations. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new prevention or treatment strategies for breast cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with BRCA1 mutations who are at increased risk for developing breast cancer.

Not a fit: Patients without BRCA1 mutations or those who do not have a family history of breast cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for preventing or treating breast cancer in individuals with BRCA1 mutations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of the tumor microenvironment in cancer development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Irvine, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast CancerBreast Cancer Model
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.