StarD10 protein's link between alcohol and breast cancer progression

Role of StAR-related lipid transfer protein 10 in alcohol-induced breast cancer progression

['FUNDING_R01'] · CEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11099989

This work looks at whether a protein called StarD10 helps alcohol make HER2/ErbB2-positive breast cancers grow and spread.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCEDARS-SINAI MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11099989 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project explores how alcohol may speed up growth and spread of certain breast cancers by increasing a protein called StarD10. Researchers will use lab-grown breast cancer cells, a mouse model of HER2/ErbB2-positive breast cancer, and analyses of human tumor samples to see how alcohol and StarD10 change cell membrane behavior, signaling, and invasiveness. They will test how changing StarD10 levels affects tumor cell movement, membrane fluidity, and response to HER2-targeted treatments. Results could point to molecular steps that might be blocked to reduce alcohol-driven tumor progression.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with HER2/ErbB2-positive breast cancer, especially those with a history of regular alcohol consumption or tumors showing high StarD10 levels.

Not a fit: People without breast cancer or with HER2-negative tumors are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new ways to prevent or treat alcohol-driven worsening of HER2-positive breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows alcohol raises breast cancer risk and StarD10 is co-expressed with HER2 in some tumors, but directly targeting StarD10 in this context is a newer approach.

Where this research is happening

LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.