Targeting a specific enzyme to improve treatment for triple-negative breast cancer
Official title: Molecular basis and targeting of FASN in expanding PARPi utility for TNBC
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-11050720 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called fatty acid synthase (FASN) affects triple-negative breast cancer and whether blocking it can help make treatments like PARP inhibitors work better, with the hope of finding safer and more effective options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $524,419 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA288278-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11050720 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer, particularly those who have not responded well to current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancers or those whose breast cancer is not triple-negative may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of fatty acid synthase (FASN) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) and how it may influence the effectiveness of PARP inhibitors, which are currently used for treating certain breast cancers. The study aims to understand how inhibiting FASN can induce cancer cell death while sparing normal cells, potentially leading to better treatment options for patients with TNBC. By exploring the molecular mechanisms behind FASN's role in DNA repair and cancer cell survival, the research seeks to develop targeted therapies that could enhance the efficacy of existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic strategy for patients with triple-negative breast cancer, improving their treatment outcomes and reducing reliance on ineffective chemotherapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer cells, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although the specific targeting of FASN in TNBC is still being explored.
Where this research is happening
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University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jian-Ting — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jian-Ting
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.