Investigating how a protein switch affects the progression of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer
Official title: A SIM2s/SEMA7A Switch Drives ER+ Breast Cancer Progression
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11044999 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called Semaphorin 7a (SEMA7A) affects the growth and treatment resistance of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, with the goal of finding better treatment options for patients facing this challenging condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $545,485 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282900-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044999 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, particularly those experiencing metastasis or resistance to current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-estrogen receptor positive breast cancer or those who are not experiencing treatment resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Semaphorin 7a (SEMA7A) in the progression of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer, which is a common and often deadly form of breast cancer. The study aims to identify how high levels of SEMA7A are linked to poor survival outcomes and resistance to standard therapies like Tamoxifen. By examining the mechanisms through which SEMA7A influences cancer cell survival and metastasis, the researchers hope to uncover new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment options for patients with advanced ER+ breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve survival rates for patients with advanced ER+ breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in breast cancer, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lyons, Traci — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Lyons, Traci
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
ER+ Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis in a Real Body Environment
This grant aims to understand why estrogen receptor alpha–positive breast cancer often spreads to bone and how the bone environment and immune system affect treatment resistance.
-
Targeting RAGE to fight obesity-related ER+ breast cancer and its drug resistance
A scientist team will explore how obesity-related inflammation involving RAGE and estrone interacts with ER+ breast cancer to drive growth and spread, aiming to find strategies to overcome therapy resistance.
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Understanding estrogen signals in bone to stop ER+ breast cancer spread
This NIH grant aims to uncover how estrogen signals inside bone help ER-positive breast cancer cells grow and spread, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent bone metastasis.
-
Progesterone Receptor Signaling and Dormancy in ER+ Breast Cancer
Researchers are studying how hormone signals in ER+/PR+ breast cancer influence cancer cell dormancy and later recurrence.
-
Heavy Metals and Breast Cancer Treatment Resistance
This project explores how exposure to heavy metals might make ER+ breast cancer harder to treat and how we might overcome this challenge.
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Turning ER-positive breast cancer into a viral target for immune attack
This project aims to wake up viral-like bits inside ER-positive breast cancer cells so the immune system can spot and attack them.
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.