Investigating how 14-3-3tau affects breast cancer progression and hormone therapy response
Official title: 14-3-3tau drives estrogen receptor loss and breast cancer progression
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11064808 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called 14-3-3tau affects breast cancer by causing the loss of important estrogen receptors, and it aims to find new treatments that could help keep the cancer from spreading and make hormone therapy work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 17, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $366,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269971-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064808 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast cancer, especially those who are estrogen receptor-negative or have experienced metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage breast cancer that is still estrogen receptor-positive and has not metastasized may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called 14-3-3tau in breast cancer, particularly how it contributes to the loss of estrogen receptors, which are crucial for effective hormone therapy. By using advanced 3D cell culture models and animal studies, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms behind this loss and identify potential drugs that could prevent breast cancer from spreading and restore hormone therapy effectiveness. Patients with breast cancer may benefit from new treatment options that arise from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapies for breast cancer patients, particularly those who have lost estrogen receptor expression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in breast cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, Weei-Chin — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lin, Weei-Chin
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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.