Targeting a new molecule to treat aggressive breast cancer
Official title: Identification of NNMT as a New Target to Treat Triple-negative Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-11108037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific molecule helps triple-negative breast cancer cells survive and spread, with the hope of creating a new treatment that could stop this aggressive cancer from growing and spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | April 7, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $631,492 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA300706-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11108037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those experiencing aggressive disease progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those whose cancer is not metastatic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), a particularly aggressive form of breast cancer known for its high rates of recurrence and metastasis. The study aims to understand how TNBC cells adapt their metabolism to survive and spread, especially under conditions where they detach from their usual growth environment. Researchers are investigating a specific molecule, nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT), which appears to play a crucial role in helping these cancer cells manage oxidative stress. By developing a targeted inhibitor for NNMT, the goal is to create a new treatment that could prevent the growth and spread of TNBC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment that significantly improves survival rates for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although the specific targeting of NNMT in TNBC is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhou, Binhua P — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Zhou, Binhua P
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
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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Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
-
Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
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Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
-
A new peptide therapy to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
A new peptide therapy called PEG-FUD is being tested to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by normalizing the tumor environment to improve treatment delivery.
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.