Investigating how a specific breast cancer kinase affects TGF-beta signaling
Official title: Defining Breast Tumor Kinase-Dependent Dysregulation of TGF-beta/SMAD Signaling
Funded at Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis · NIH-11049042 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called BRK affects important signals in breast cancer, especially in tougher types like triple-negative breast cancer, to help find new ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Little Rock, United States) |
| Project start | March 5, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $255,902 |
| NIH project number | 5P20GM152281-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049042 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with invasive ductal carcinoma, especially those with triple-negative breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-invasive breast cancer or those whose tumors do not express BRK may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of breast tumor kinase (BRK) in the dysregulation of TGF-beta/SMAD signaling pathways in breast cancer. By examining how BRK influences the phosphorylation of SMAD4, a key transcription factor, the study aims to uncover mechanisms that lead to tumor growth and metastasis, particularly in aggressive forms of breast cancer like triple-negative breast cancer. The approach involves biochemical assays and molecular biology techniques to analyze the interactions between BRK, SMAD4, and other regulatory complexes. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that specifically target the mechanisms driving aggressive breast cancer types.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting TGF-beta signaling pathways in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
Little Rock, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miah, Md Sayem — Univ of Arkansas for Med Scis
- Study coordinator: Miah, Md Sayem
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.