Investigating how RNA decay affects triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: Novel Triple-Negative Breast cancer vulnerability governed by PNPT1-mediated RNA decay
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10974461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a certain enzyme called PNPT1 affects triple-negative breast cancer cells, and by turning it off, researchers hope to find new ways to make these tough cancer cells die, which could lead to better treatments for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $49,821 |
| NIH project number | 5F30CA278316-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those with MYC hyperactivation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those without MYC hyperactivation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the vulnerabilities of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer with few treatment options. The study examines the role of a specific enzyme, PNPT1, in the decay of RNA, which is crucial for regulating gene expression. By silencing PNPT1 in cancer cells that have hyperactivated the MYC gene, researchers aim to induce cell stress and death, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for TNBC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting RNA decay in TNBC is novel, previous research has shown that targeting RNA metabolism can be effective in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Andrew — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yang, Andrew
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
-
Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
-
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.
-
A new peptide therapy to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
A new peptide therapy called PEG-FUD is being tested to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by normalizing the tumor environment to improve treatment delivery.
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.