Small molecules to block RuvBL1/2 to treat triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: Small molecules targeting RuvBL complex for triple negative breast cancer
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11374910 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug candidate is being developed to block a protein complex (RuvBL1/2) that TNBC cells rely on to repair DNA, with the goal of helping treat this aggressive breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $587,569 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278058-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11374910 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those whose tumors show reliance on DNA repair pathways, may be eligible in future studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not depend on the targeted DNA repair mechanisms may not benefit from this therapy.
What this research studies
This project aims to create and improve small molecules that inhibit the RuvBL1/2 complex, which TNBC cells use to fix DNA damage. By disrupting this repair system, TNBC cells may become more vulnerable to their own stress and die off, while normal cells are hoped to be less affected. The work includes understanding how the lead compound works and refining it to be more effective and selective for cancer cells. The researchers will explore how these compounds interfere with DNA double-strand break repair in TNBC models and optimize properties such as potency and safety.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with TNBC could gain a new targeted treatment option that exploits cancer cells’ reliance on DNA repair.
How similar studies have gone: Other approaches targeting DNA repair in cancer have shown promise, supporting the rationale for this strategy, though this specific RuvBL1/2 approach is earlier in development.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Xiangshu — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Xiangshu
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.