Role of RNA modification in breast cancer progression
Official title: The role of eRNA m6A modification in ligand-independent ER activation and breast cancer progression
Funded at University of Texas El Paso · NIH-11376274 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people with breast cancer investigates how a specific RNA modification influences estrogen receptor activity and tumor growth, with the aim of improving therapies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas El Paso NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (El Paso, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $573,746 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA304255-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11376274 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals with ER-positive breast cancer who may benefit from improved endocrine therapy strategies in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancers are not driven by ER signaling or do not rely on RNA modification pathways may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This grant explores how a chemical tag on RNA (m6A) affects estrogen receptor signaling and how breast cancers become resistant to standard hormone therapies. Researchers will examine how this modification helps ERα form concentrated regions of activity in the nucleus and whether interrupting this process can slow cancer progression. The work uses breast cancer cell models and analyzes how changes in RNA and receptor interactions influence tumor behavior. The findings could point to new ways to overcome resistance to aromatase inhibitors and other endocrine treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new targets for therapies that prevent or delay endocrine resistance in ER-positive breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Emerging evidence suggests RNA modifications can influence cancer signaling, but translating this to therapies is still developing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas El Paso
El Paso, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Zhijie — University of Texas El Paso
- Study coordinator: Liu, Zhijie
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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.