Macrocyclic diterpenoids target specific TNBC subtypes
Official title: Mechanistic Evaluation of Macrocyclic Diterpenoids with Selective Triple Negative Breast Cancer Activity
Funded at University of the Incarnate Word · NIH-11373043 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new research effort tests natural compounds that may kill certain forms of triple-negative breast cancer more effectively than standard chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of the Incarnate Word NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $166,711 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM154622-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11373043 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those with basal-like 2 subtype characteristics, who could later participate in related translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-TNBC breast cancer or those without the specific molecular subtype targets may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project will explore how yuanhuacine, a natural product, works to selectively kill basal-like 2 TNBC cells through a PKC-dependent pathway. Researchers will focus on the role of the PKC beta II enzyme and which parts of yuanhuacine are essential for its activity. The study uses TNBC cell lines to uncover the molecular mechanisms and identify key pharmacophores that drive subtype-specific cytotoxicity. Results could guide future development of targeted therapies for hard-to-treat TNBC patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more precise treatments for TNBC patients who currently have limited options.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that natural products can selectively affect cancer subtypes, but this project seeks to define a precise mechanism and pharmacophores for TNBC.
Where this research is happening
-
University of the Incarnate Word
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fermaintt, Charles Steven — University of the Incarnate Word
- Study coordinator: Fermaintt, Charles Steven
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.