Investigating the HER3-PHF8 signaling pathway in triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: HER3-PHF8 signaling axis in triple-negative breast cancer progression
Funded at Lsu Health Sciences Center · NIH-10992121 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how two proteins, HER3 and PHF8, work together in triple-negative breast cancer to help us find better treatments for patients facing this tough type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | December 23, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $404,942 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266269-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10992121 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those who have not responded well to current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those who have already exhausted all treatment options may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the HER3-PHF8 signaling axis in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a subtype of breast cancer known for its aggressive nature and poor prognosis. The study aims to explore the role of HER3, a protein that is often overexpressed in TNBC, and its relationship with PHF8, an epigenetic modifier. By analyzing clinical samples and cell lines, researchers will investigate how these proteins contribute to tumor progression and resistance to existing therapies. The goal is to identify new molecular targets that could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from this challenging cancer type.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of novel therapies that improve outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in other cancer types, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Lsu Health Sciences Center
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Bolin — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Liu, Bolin
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.