Investigating how a protein affects breast cancer growth and treatment resistance

ERa is a novel RNA-binding protein controlling breast cancer

NIH-funded research University of California, San Francisco · NIH-11015869

This study is looking at how a protein called ERα, which is important in breast cancer, can help control gene activity and may lead to new treatments for patients, especially those who have trouble with standard therapies like tamoxifen.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of California, San Francisco NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11015869 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on the role of the estrogen receptor α (ERα) as a novel RNA-binding protein in breast cancer. By utilizing advanced techniques like high-throughput sequencing and CRISPR analysis, the study aims to uncover how ERα influences the expression of genes that are critical for cancer progression. The researchers have found that mutations in the RNA-binding domain of ERα can significantly reduce breast cancer cell growth and may help overcome resistance to common treatments like tamoxifen. This work could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with breast cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer, especially those whose tumors express the estrogen receptor α.

Not a fit: Patients with breast cancer that does not express estrogen receptor α or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for breast cancer, particularly for patients who have developed resistance to current therapies.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting RNA-binding proteins in cancer therapy, suggesting that this approach may be effective.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, 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.
Conditions anti-cancer therapyBreast CancerBreast Cancer CellBreast Cancer cell line
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.