How the RORα protein affects breast cancer growth and inflammation
Roles of RORα in breast cancer development and progression
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS · NIH-11479863
Researchers are looking at whether boosting the RORα protein in breast cells can lower harmful oxidative stress and immune inflammation that help breast cancer grow.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11479863 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies how a protein called RORα keeps breast cells organized and prevents immune cells from invading early tumors. Scientists use lab-grown human mammary cells, a novel 3D co-culture system with macrophages, and mouse tumor models to see how loss of RORα changes cell polarity, metabolism, and inflammation. They measure reactive oxygen species (ROS) and global gene activity using high-throughput metabolic and gene-expression profiling. The goal is to map the steps that link RORα loss to inflammation so new treatments might be designed later.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer who are willing to donate tissue or participate in related translational studies would be the most relevant candidates to connect with this research.
Not a fit: Those without breast cancer or patients seeking immediate changes to their current clinical treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this lab-focused project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets to reduce tumor-related inflammation and slow breast cancer progression.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work, including mouse models, has shown that RORα reduction increases ROS and macrophage infiltration, but translating these findings into human therapies remains novel.
Where this research is happening
LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS — LITTLE ROCK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: XU, REN — UNIV OF ARKANSAS FOR MED SCIS
- Study coordinator: XU, REN
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.