Stopping triple-negative breast cancer spread by targeting EYA3 and PP2A
Deciphering the role of EYA3/PP2A in triple negative breast cancer metastasis
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11290382 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on a protein called EYA3 and its partner PP2A, which are often higher in triple-negative breast tumors and may help cancer cells spread. They will use patient tumor samples, cell models, and mouse models to see how this pathway affects tumor growth, metastasis, and the activity of CD8+ immune cells and PD-L1. The team will test whether changing EYA3/PP2A activity reduces metastatic behavior and makes tumors more vulnerable to immune attack. Findings could point to new drug targets or combination approaches to improve outcomes for people with TNBC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with triple-negative breast cancer, especially those with metastatic disease or tumors showing high EYA3/PP2A activity, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People with hormone receptor–positive or HER2‑positive breast cancers are unlikely to benefit directly from findings focused specifically on triple-negative disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that slow or stop metastasis and improve immune-based treatments for people with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Some preclinical and early immunotherapy work in TNBC supports targeting immune pathways, but targeting EYA3/PP2A is a novel approach with promising laboratory data rather than established patient success.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Heide L. — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Ford, Heide L.
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.