MLL3 mutations and breast cancer cell plasticity
Official title: Role of the histone modifier MLL3 mutation in breast cancer cell plasticity
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11449270 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project studies how changes in MLL3 affect breast cancer cell behavior and metastasis, with potential to guide new therapies for patients with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2020 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $420,000 |
| NIH project number | 2R01CA212424-06A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11449270 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with breast cancer, especially those with MLL3/KMT2C mutations or tumors showing metastatic behavior, could be relevant for related translational studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without breast cancer or without tumors involving MLL3-related pathways may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers are examining how mutations in the histone modifier MLL3 influence breast cancer cell plasticity and the spread of disease. Using CRISPR-engineered mammary stem cell models that mimic human tumors, they are mapping how MLL3 loss alters gene regulation and triggers a hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal state linked to metastasis. The study explores the role of adaptor functions of MLL3 and IFN-gamma signaling in driving aggressive cancer cells that colonize distant organs. Findings could point to new therapeutic strategies that target epigenetic regulation and immune signaling in breast cancer. The work builds on prior discoveries and aims to reveal actionable mechanisms to prevent metastasis and therapy resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify new targets for preventing metastasis and improving therapies for breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work using CRISPR-engineered models has revealed MLL3’s tumor-suppressor and adaptor roles, suggesting this approach can yield meaningful insights into metastasis.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Wenjun — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Guo, Wenjun
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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.