Investigating how CRIPTO affects breast cancer cell behavior and treatment response
Official title: Coordination of stress-adaptive cell states by CRIPTO in breast cancer heterogeneity and progression
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11050872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called CRIPTO affects breast cancer cells and their ability to handle stress, with the goal of finding new ways to improve treatment for patients with aggressive breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $472,921 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA289704-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with aggressive breast cancer, particularly those experiencing treatment resistance or relapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-aggressive forms of breast cancer or those who are not currently undergoing treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a protein called CRIPTO influences the behavior of breast cancer cells, particularly their ability to adapt to stress and change states. By studying the molecular mechanisms behind this adaptability, the research aims to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes. The approach includes using engineered peptides to inhibit CRIPTO and observing the effects on cancer cell growth and metastasis in laboratory models. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for aggressive breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that more effectively target aggressive breast cancer and reduce the risk of relapse and metastasis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting cellular plasticity in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spike, Benjamin T — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Spike, Benjamin T
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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.