Stable, ultra-tight peptides to block EphB4 and stop TNBC spread
Official title: Stable & Picomolar-Affinity Peptides Targeting Ephb4 to Prevent Metastasis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Funded at Texas Southern University · NIH-11420423 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new peptide-based approach aims to block a cancer molecule called EphB4 to prevent metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer, especially in African American women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Southern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 1986 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $412,846 |
| NIH project number | 5U54MD007605-33 |
| Project ID | NIH-11420423 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly African American women, who are eligible for experimental peptide-based therapies and related translational studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer biology does not depend on EphB4 signaling or who are not suitable for peptide-based therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project seeks to develop very high-affinity peptides that target EphB4, a receptor involved in metastasis in triple-negative breast cancer. By modulating EphB4 signaling, the therapy aims to hinder cancer spread and reduce dependence on chemotherapy's toxicity. The work builds on prior discovery of an EphB4-related peptide and plans to test stability, binding strength, and effects on tumor and blood vessel cells, with an emphasis on translating findings toward patient access. The study involves collaboration with Texas Southern University and leadership from Dr. Dong Liang, focusing on a disease where outcomes are poorer for African American women. If successful, the approach could lead to targeted therapies that limit metastasis with potentially fewer side effects than conventional chemotherapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with TNBC may experience reduced metastasis and improved survival with a more targeted, potentially less toxic treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work identified a bi-directional EphB4/EphrinB2 peptide; this project extends that concept with stable, picomolar-affinity peptides and aims to translate preclinical promises toward patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Southern University
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liang, Dong — Texas Southern University
- Study coordinator: Liang, Dong
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how high triglycerides may fuel certain breast cancers
High triglycerides may help triple negative breast cancer grow and spread, and this study looks at how that could happen in patients and models.
-
Stopping triple-negative breast cancer spread by targeting EYA3 and PP2A
Researchers are exploring whether blocking the EYA3/PP2A pathway can prevent triple-negative breast cancer from spreading and help the immune system fight the tumor.
-
How low PHGDH changes sugar metabolism to help triple‑negative breast cancer spread
This project looks at how low levels of the enzyme PHGDH change sialic acid sugar metabolism in ways that help triple‑negative breast cancer cells spread.
-
Stable, ultra‑high affinity peptides that block EphB4 to stop triple‑negative breast cancer from spreading
Designer peptides that latch onto the EphB4 protein are being developed to try to stop triple‑negative breast cancer from spreading, with attention to the higher risk seen in African American women.
-
How high triglycerides may help triple negative breast cancer grow and spread
Researchers are looking at whether high blood triglyceride levels make triple negative breast cancer grow and spread faster, which could point to ways to help women with TNBC.
-
Understanding how EYA3 and PP2A contribute to the spread of triple negative breast cancer
This study is looking at how a protein called EYA3, which is found in high amounts in triple negative breast cancer, works with another protein, PP2A, to see how they affect cancer spread and the immune system, with the hope of finding new treatment options for this tough-to-treat cancer.
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.