Investigating how a specific protein influences breast cancer spread to the brain
Official title: Roles of tGLI1 and microRNA Network in Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · NIH-11075129 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called tGLI1 helps breast cancer spread to the brain, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding more about how breast cancer can affect the brain and what might help stop it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $402,958 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA228137-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075129 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with breast cancer, particularly those who have experienced or are at risk for brain metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with breast cancer that has not metastasized or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called tGLI1 in the spread of breast cancer to the brain. The researchers have discovered that tGLI1, which is a modified version of a gene involved in cancer, can enhance the ability of breast cancer cells to migrate and invade brain tissue. They are using mouse models to study how tGLI1 affects brain metastasis and how it interacts with brain cells called astrocytes, which can promote tumor growth. The study also examines the role of microRNAs, which are small molecules that can influence cancer progression, in this process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that targeting specific proteins and their pathways can be effective in treating metastasis, suggesting that this approach may yield promising results.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lo, Hui-Wen — University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston
- Study coordinator: Lo, Hui-Wen
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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.