miR-181a and Wnt/β-catenin in high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Examining the role of the miR-181a:Wnt/B-catenin axis in ovarian cancer
This work looks at whether a small genetic molecule called miR-181a and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway drive aggressive, treatment‑resistant high‑grade serous ovarian cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306675 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, the team is trying to understand why high‑grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) often comes back and becomes resistant to chemotherapy by studying the miR‑181a molecule and its interaction with the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway. They analyze large collections of tumor samples and clinical data from many patients to see how miR‑181a levels relate to outcomes. In the lab they use cell models and experimental systems to show how miR‑181a can promote changes like EMT, metastasis, genomic instability, and drug resistance by targeting genes such as RB1 and STING. The goal is to find biomarkers and molecular targets that could guide new treatments or predict which tumors will recur.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with high‑grade serous ovarian cancer, especially those having surgery or biopsies and willing to allow their tumor tissue and clinical data to be used for research.
Not a fit: People with other types of ovarian tumors, healthy volunteers, or patients unwilling/unable to provide tumor samples are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify markers to predict recurrence and new molecular targets to help overcome chemo‑resistance in high‑grade serous ovarian cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked higher miR‑181a levels to worse outcomes and lab work has shown it can drive EMT and resistance, but translating these findings into patient therapies remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Difeo, Analisa Virginia — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Difeo, Analisa Virginia
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 below.