Targeting a protein complex to treat triple negative breast cancer
Official title: Small molecules targeting RuvBL complex for triple negative breast cancer
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10865018 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new treatments for triple negative breast cancer by creating small molecules that can block a key complex involved in repairing DNA damage, which could help kill cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unharmed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $571,007 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278058-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865018 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer who may benefit from novel treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of breast cancer or those whose cancer is not triple negative may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing small molecules that can inhibit the RuvBL1/L2 complex, which plays a crucial role in repairing DNA damage in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. By targeting the DNA double-strand breaks that are prevalent in TNBC, the research aims to create therapies that selectively kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells. The project will explore the mechanism of action of these compounds and optimize their effectiveness as potential treatments for TNBC. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic options that specifically address the unique vulnerabilities of their cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies for patients with triple negative breast cancer, improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting DNA repair mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Xiangshu — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Xiangshu
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.
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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.