Investigating the role of a specific enzyme in male breast cancer
Official title: The role of UbcH7 in male breast cancer
Funded at Kent State University · NIH-11064071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called UbcH7 might play a role in male breast cancer, which is quite rare, to help us understand the differences between male and female breast cancer and improve treatment options for men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Kent State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Kent, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $81,001 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA289857-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are men diagnosed with breast cancer or those at high risk for developing the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with female breast cancer or those without a genetic predisposition to male breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the molecular pathways involved in male breast cancer, a rare condition that affects less than 1% of all breast cancer cases. The study aims to explore the role of the ubiquitin/proteasome system, particularly the enzyme UbcH7, in the development of this cancer. By using mouse models, the researchers will investigate how alterations in UbcH7 may contribute to the incidence of male breast cancer. This approach could help identify unique characteristics of male breast cancer compared to female breast cancer, which is often treated similarly despite potential differences.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and targeted treatments for male breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While research on male breast cancer is limited, studies on the ubiquitin/proteasome system have shown promise in understanding various cancers, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Kent State University
Kent, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurokawa, Manabu — Kent State University
- Study coordinator: Kurokawa, Manabu
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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.