Investigating how 14-3-3tau affects breast cancer progression and hormone therapy response

14-3-3tau drives estrogen receptor loss and breast cancer progression

NIH-funded research Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11064808

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBaylor College of Medicine NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11064808 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast cancer, especially those who are estrogen receptor-negative or have experienced metastasis.

Not a fit: Patients with early-stage breast cancer that is still estrogen receptor-positive and has not metastasized may not benefit 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 performed: 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

Houston, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.