Stopping the cell changes that drive aggressive basal-like breast cancer
Targeting lineage plasticity to inhibit basal-like breast cancer progression
This project tries blocking a key cell reprogramming step to prevent or slow aggressive basal-like triple-negative breast cancer in women, including those with BRCA1 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11240347 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers aim to understand why some breast cells revert to an embryonic-like state that fuels basal-like breast cancer, a common form of triple-negative disease that affects younger women and those of African ancestry. They will study patient breast tissue (including samples from BRCA1 mutation carriers), lab-grown cells, and animal models to track the cellular changes and molecular pathways involved. Using genetic tools and drug-like approaches, the team will target a key switch called SOX9 and related pathways to stop cells from de-differentiating. The work seeks to identify targets that could lead to preventive therapies or new treatments to intercept cancer before it becomes aggressive.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adult women (21+) with basal-like or triple-negative breast cancer or healthy women who carry BRCA1 mutations willing to provide breast tissue or samples, especially those of African ancestry.
Not a fit: People with other breast cancer subtypes (such as hormone receptor–positive or HER2-positive tumors), men, or patients whose tumors lack evidence of lineage plasticity are less likely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or slow basal-like triple-negative breast cancer and reduce reliance on harsh chemotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies show that removing SOX9 in lab models blocks the problematic cell reprogramming and cancer progression, but applying this approach in people is new.
Where this research is happening
Bronx, United States
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine — Bronx, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Wenjun — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Guo, Wenjun
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.