Investigating how specific cell types affect treatment outcomes in triple negative breast cancer.
Official title: Distinct contributions of mesenchymal cell niches in the therapeutic potential of the hedgehog pathway in triple negative breast cancer
Funded at University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez · NIH-10724829 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the body affect the success of new treatments for triple negative breast cancer, with the hope of finding better ways to help patients feel better and fight their cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mayaguez, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $152,147 |
| NIH project number | 3SC1GM131967-04S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10724829 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer who may benefit from targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-triple negative breast cancer types are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of mesenchymal cells in the effectiveness of Hedgehog (Hh) inhibitors for treating triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). By developing advanced in vitro models that mimic the tumor environment, the study aims to identify how different types of mesenchymal cells influence tumor growth and response to therapy. The researchers will analyze the interactions between these cells and the Hh signaling pathway to uncover potential new therapeutic targets. This approach could lead to more effective treatment strategies for patients with TNBC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and outcomes for patients with triple negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting the Hedgehog pathway in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may hold significant potential.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
Mayaguez, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Domenech, Maribella — University of Puerto Rico Mayaguez
- Study coordinator: Domenech, Maribella
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.