Preventing tumor–immune cell fusion to counter resistance to a BRD4 drug in triple negative breast cancer
Targeting cell fusion as a novel strategy to tackle JQ1 resistance in triple negative breast cancer
Researchers will see if stopping fusion between breast cancer cells and certain immune cells helps keep a BRD4-blocking drug (like JQ1) working longer for people with triple negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Benedict College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321682 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how triple negative breast cancer cells can fuse with monocytes (a type of immune cell) after treatment with a BRD4 inhibitor such as JQ1. In the lab, researchers will examine the role of a protein called MFSD2 in promoting that cell fusion and create ways to block it. They will use cancer cells and immune cells together to better mimic the tumor environment and measure whether blocking fusion reduces emergence of drug-resistant, stem-like cancer cells. The work aims to identify a new target that could be developed into therapies to stop or delay resistance to BRD4-blocking drugs.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with triple negative breast cancer, especially those receiving or considered for BRD4-targeting drugs or who have had the drug stop working, would be most directly connected to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with non–triple-negative breast cancers or those not treated with BRD4 inhibitors are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new treatments that prevent or overcome drug resistance in triple negative breast cancer, making existing therapies work better and longer.
How similar studies have performed: BRD4 inhibitors like JQ1 have shown promise in laboratory models of TNBC, but specifically targeting cancer–immune cell fusion to prevent resistance is a novel approach with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
Columbia, United States
- Benedict College — Columbia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ai, Walden — Benedict College
- Study coordinator: Ai, Walden
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.