How the RING1B/PRC1 protein complex helps turn genes on in breast cancer
Mechanisms of RING1B and PRC1 complexes in transcriptional activation
This project learns how the protein RING1B and related PRC1 complexes help switch genes on in breast cancer cells, especially when estrogen is driving growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247591 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study RING1B and PRC1 proteins to see how they are recruited to DNA and promote gene activation rather than repression. They will use breast cancer cell models (including ER-positive lines), biochemical binding tests, and 3-D molecular assays to map where these proteins bind and what other features (like R-loops) help tether them to active genes and enhancers. The team will examine how estrogen receptor alpha works with RING1B to control oncogenes and cell proliferation. This is laboratory-based discovery aimed at understanding molecular mechanisms rather than offering an immediate new therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with ER-positive breast cancer or tumors known to overexpress AIB1/Amplified in Breast Cancer 1 would be the most relevant group for contributing samples or benefiting from future therapies built on these findings.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers that are not breast cancer or that are ER-negative are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal molecular markers or new targets that someday lead to better treatments for estrogen-driven breast cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies have shown PRC1 and RING1B can work with estrogen receptor to control gene activity in cancer cells, but moving those findings into treatments has not yet been achieved.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Morey, Lluis — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Morey, Lluis
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.