Investigating ways to treat breast cancer lacking the Merlin protein
Official title: Targeting actionable liabilities in Merlin-deficient breast cancer
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11004383 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the lack of a protein called Merlin affects the growth of breast cancer, using special mice that have a similar type of cancer to help find new ways to treat patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | December 27, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $208,271 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA277267-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11004383 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with breast cancer that shows low levels of the Merlin protein.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with breast cancer that does not involve Merlin deficiency may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the absence of the Merlin protein affects breast cancer progression. By studying breast cancer cells that lack Merlin, the researchers aim to identify vulnerabilities that can be targeted for treatment. They utilize a specialized mouse model that mimics human breast cancer to explore these potential treatment strategies. The goal is to find new therapeutic approaches that could improve outcomes for patients with this type of cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with Merlin-deficient breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar molecular pathways in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shevde, Lalita a. — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Shevde, Lalita a.
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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.