Targeted breast cancer treatment using a natural product to block cancer cell survival
Official title: Validating the mode of action of ergosterol peroxide as a selective breast cancer inhibitor.
Funded at Universidad Central Del Caribe · NIH-11424890 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at a grant that supports testing a natural compound that may stop a tough type of breast cancer from thriving.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Universidad Central Del Caribe NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bayamon, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $128,724 |
| NIH project number | 2R16GM145488-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11424890 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adult women with or at risk for triple-negative breast cancer who could participate in future translational studies or trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not driven by the UBR4/SIFI pathway or those unable to participate in future trials may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant aims to develop and test EP229, a natural product that specifically disrupts a key cancer survival pathway in triple-negative breast cancer cells while sparing normal cells. It describes producing EP229 in gram quantities and evaluating its effect on the UBR4 protein complex that helps cancer cells cope with stress. The project emphasizes the potential for higher cancer cell kill rates with fewer side effects, aiming to improve responses in patients with aggressive TNBC. The focus is on translating lab findings into a targeted therapy that could become part of future treatment options for TNBC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with TNBC could have a more effective therapy with potentially fewer side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports targeting stress response pathways in cancer, but this exact EP229/UBR4 approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Universidad Central Del Caribe
Bayamon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martinez, Michelle M — Universidad Central Del Caribe
- Study coordinator: Martinez, Michelle M
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A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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Gut bacteria and metabolites linked to breast density and cancer risk
A small, patient-friendly study will explore whether gut bacteria and their byproducts are connected to high breast density, which can raise cancer risk and make screening less accurate.
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.