How two cell proteins (TRAF2 and RIP1) help breast cancer cells survive
The roles of TRAF2 and RIP1 in breast cancer cell survival
This project looks at how the proteins TRAF2 and RIP1 help breast cancer cells avoid dying and whether targeting them could make treatments work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Iowa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Iowa City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use lab-grown human breast cancer cells and mouse tumor models to study how TRAF2 and RIP1 control cell survival, especially when the PI3K-AKT pathway is blocked. They examine chemical changes (like phosphorylation) on these proteins and test drug combinations that block AKT and related kinases to see if cancer cells undergo more cell death. The team uses molecular assays, cell-based tests, and animal studies to measure tumor growth and survival after these treatments. Findings aim to point toward drug combinations or targets that could be tested in future patient-focused trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with breast cancer—particularly those whose tumors show active PI3K-AKT signaling or who have disease that is resistant to current therapies—would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or whose tumors do not depend on the PI3K-AKT pathway are unlikely to directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug combinations that overcome resistance and make breast cancer treatments more effective.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory and animal studies have shown that combining AKT pathway inhibitors with blockers of related kinases can increase cancer cell death, while clinical trials of PI3K/AKT inhibitors alone have often had limited success due to resistance.
Where this research is happening
Iowa City, United States
- University of Iowa — Iowa City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tanas, Munir — University of Iowa
- Study coordinator: Tanas, Munir
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.