Sphingolipid targets for breast cancer treatment
Sphingolipids in Cancer Biology and Therapy
Testing whether targeting enzymes that control sphingolipids can slow breast cancer growth and reduce chemotherapy side effects for people with breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11198312 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research looks at how certain fats called sphingolipids affect breast cancer behavior and responses to chemotherapy. The program includes three linked projects that each target a key enzyme in sphingolipid metabolism to find weak points in cancer cells. One project studies whether neutral sphingomyelinase 2 acts as a tumor suppressor to prevent progression and spread, and another examines how p53-driven ACER2 may cause chemotherapy-related bone marrow suppression. The work uses laboratory models, biochemical methods, and cross-disciplinary cores to translate laboratory findings toward patient-relevant strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with breast cancer, particularly those receiving chemotherapy or whose tumors have p53-related changes, would be the most relevant candidates for related clinical efforts.
Not a fit: People without breast cancer or whose tumors do not depend on sphingolipid-related pathways are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to treatments that slow breast cancer growth and reduce chemotherapy-induced bone marrow damage, improving outcomes and tolerability.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies have shown sphingolipid enzymes influence tumor growth and chemotherapy response, but clinical therapies based on these targets are still limited and under development.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hannun, Yusuf Awni — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Hannun, Yusuf Awni
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.