Investigating how a specific RNA affects breast cancer treatment resistance
Official title: LncRNA EPIC1 induces immunotherapy resistance by activating EZH2 in breast cancer
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10870007 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific molecule called EPIC1 might make breast cancer harder to treat with immunotherapy, and it will test a new drug to see if it can help improve treatment for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $365,009 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272866-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10870007 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are breast cancer patients, especially those with triple negative breast cancer who may be experiencing resistance to current immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancers or those who do not have triple negative breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a long noncoding RNA, EPIC1, contributes to resistance against immunotherapy in breast cancer patients. The team will analyze human breast cancer samples to explore the relationship between EPIC1 and immune suppression, and will investigate the mechanisms by which EPIC1 activates the EZH2 protein. Additionally, they will test the effectiveness of a drug called tazemetostat, both alone and in combination with an existing immunotherapy, in mouse models that mimic human breast cancer. This comprehensive approach aims to identify new strategies to improve treatment outcomes for patients with breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved immunotherapy responses for breast cancer patients, particularly those with high levels of EPIC1.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting RNA mechanisms in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Da — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Yang, Da
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
-
Determinants of Response to DNA-Damaging Radiation and Immunotherapy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
This grant explores why some people with triple-negative breast cancer respond to a combo of radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy and why others don’t, to guide more personalized treatment.
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Enhanced Viro-Immunotherapy for Breast Cancer Brain Metastasis
A study testing a virus-based cancer therapy to help treat breast cancer that has spread to the brain, with focus on boosting the body’s immune response to fight the tumors.
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New immunotherapy combo for hard-to-treat triple-negative breast cancer
Aims to test a combination immunotherapy with JNK inhibitors to improve treatment for people with triple-negative breast cancer.
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Reprogrammed exosome immunotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer
A new treatment approach uses engineered exosomes to stimulate the immune system to fight triple-negative breast cancer in patients.
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LncRNA EPIC1 and EZH2: a strategy to overcome breast cancer immunotherapy resistance
A breast cancer research project is exploring whether a long noncoding RNA called EPIC1 helps tumors dodge immune therapy and if an EZH2 inhibitor can boost treatment responses.
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.