Targeted inhibitors to block a key enzyme and fight metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: Selective N-glycan biosynthesis inhibitors towards antimetastatic drug discovery
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11451054 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug candidate aimed at a specific enzyme in cancer cells is being developed to stop the spread of metastatic triple-negative breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 25, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $389,215 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA308127-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11451054 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with metastatic triple-negative breast cancer or those at high risk of metastasis could be eligible for future trials or related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage or non-metastatic breast cancer patients may not benefit from this specific targeted approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on creating and optimizing inhibitors of DPAGT1, a key enzyme in N-glycan biosynthesis, to halt tumor metastasis. The team will use structure-guided chemistry to improve lead compounds and test them in models that mimic human cancer, including patient-derived tumors. The goal is to develop drug-like candidates with better potency and pharmacokinetic properties that specifically target cancer cells while sparing normal cells. If successful, these compounds could become next-generation therapies for metastatic TNBC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with metastatic TNBC may have a new targeted treatment option that could slow or stop cancer spread.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical models showed antitumor activity and reduced metastasis with DPAGT1 inhibitors in TNBC models, indicating potential but requiring clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kurosu, Michio — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Kurosu, Michio
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.