NIH-funded research R03 grant

Investigating a new pathway that helps triple-negative breast cancer grow and spread

Official title: A novel cellular identity regulatory pathway that drives anokis resistance-mediated TNBC growth and metastasis

Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10947156 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how triple-negative breast cancer cells manage to survive when they should die after breaking away from their surroundings, and by finding certain proteins that help them do this, the researchers hope to discover new ways to treat this tough type of breast cancer.

More Metastasis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$148,500
NIH project number1R03CA292128-01
Project IDNIH-10947156 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-triple-negative breast cancer subtypes may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells resist a process called anoikis, which normally causes cells to die when they detach from their surroundings. By identifying specific protein kinases that contribute to this resistance, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic targets for TNBC treatment. The researchers will use advanced screening techniques to pinpoint these kinases and evaluate their role in TNBC growth and metastasis. This could lead to the development of more effective treatments for patients suffering from this aggressive form of breast cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new therapies that significantly improve outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has successfully identified therapeutic targets in other cancer types using similar approaches, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Alabama at Birmingham
    Birmingham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Gupta, Romi — University of Alabama at Birmingham
  • Study coordinator: Gupta, Romi

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.