Integrin alpha-6 drives breast cancer spread to the brain’s protective membranes
Official title: Integrin alpha-6 drives metabolic adaptation and breast cancer survival in leptomeningeal metastasis
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11389659 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests how blocking integrin a6 may stop breast cancer cells from spreading to the brain’s protective membranes and thriving there.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $626,475 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA314256-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389659 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with breast cancer or other cancers at risk for leptomeningeal metastasis or with known LM involvement may benefit from advances arising from this research, should future trials emerge.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without leptomeningeal metastasis or related brain/spinal cord involvement are unlikely to directly benefit.
What this research studies
Metastasis to the leptomeninges is a deadly complication for several cancers, including breast cancer. The research focuses on integrin alpha-6 as a driver of cancer spread from bone marrow to the meninges and on how it supports cancer cell survival by altering metabolism. Using human cancer cells and models, the study will test targeted antibodies and other strategies to disrupt this pathway and prevent mitochondrial changes that fuel growth in the leptomeningeal environment. These studies aim to identify potential therapeutic targets to improve outcomes for patients with leptomeningeal metastasis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that prevent or slow leptomeningeal metastasis and improve survival and quality of life for patients with breast cancer and other cancers that spread to the brain coverings.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have linked integrin pathways to metastatic spread and metabolic adaptation, suggesting this approach has translational potential but remains investigational.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sipkins, Dorothy a — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Sipkins, Dorothy a
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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.