Targeting a specific nutrient dependency in luminal breast cancer
Targeting Serine Auxotrophy in Luminal Breast Cancer
This study is looking at how certain breast cancer cells depend on a nutrient called serine to grow, and it aims to find ways to block their access to it, which could lead to new treatments for people with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11026443 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how luminal breast cancer cells rely on external sources of serine, an amino acid crucial for their growth and survival. By analyzing gene expression data from human tumors, the study aims to identify vulnerabilities in these cancer cells that could be exploited for therapy. The researchers focus on the enzyme PSAT1, which is expressed at low levels in luminal breast cancer, making these cells dependent on serine from their environment. The goal is to develop targeted treatments that can effectively inhibit the growth of these cancer cells by limiting their access to serine.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with luminal breast cancer who may benefit from novel therapeutic strategies targeting serine metabolism.
Not a fit: Patients with basal breast cancer or other types of cancer that do not exhibit serine auxotrophy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that specifically target luminal breast cancer by exploiting their unique nutrient dependencies.
How similar studies have performed: While targeting metabolic pathways in cancer is a growing field, this specific approach to targeting serine auxotrophy in luminal breast cancer is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, UNITED STATES
- University of Illinois at Chicago — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Coloff, Jonathan L. — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Coloff, Jonathan L.
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 below.