Targeting a specific protein complex to improve treatment for estrogen receptor positive breast cancer
Official title: Targeting Oncogenic PELP1/SRC-3 Signaling Complexes in ER+ Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11009067 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how specific proteins might help estrogen receptor positive breast cancer grow and resist treatment, with the goal of finding new ways to improve care for patients facing this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $201,744 |
| NIH project number | 5K22CA248615-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009067 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer, particularly those who have experienced treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-estrogen receptor positive breast cancer or those who are not currently undergoing treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how certain protein complexes, specifically PELP1 and SRC-3, contribute to the progression of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. The study aims to investigate the mechanisms by which these proteins promote cancer stem cell characteristics and resistance to current therapies. By targeting these complexes, the research seeks to develop new strategies to overcome treatment resistance and improve outcomes for patients with advanced ER+ breast cancer. Patients may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches that could emerge from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with advanced ER+ breast cancer who currently have limited options.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting similar oncogenic pathways in breast cancer, indicating that this approach may yield beneficial results.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Truong, Thu Ha — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Truong, Thu Ha
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
ER+ Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis in a Real Body Environment
This grant aims to understand why estrogen receptor alpha–positive breast cancer often spreads to bone and how the bone environment and immune system affect treatment resistance.
-
Targeting RAGE to fight obesity-related ER+ breast cancer and its drug resistance
A scientist team will explore how obesity-related inflammation involving RAGE and estrone interacts with ER+ breast cancer to drive growth and spread, aiming to find strategies to overcome therapy resistance.
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Understanding estrogen signals in bone to stop ER+ breast cancer spread
This NIH grant aims to uncover how estrogen signals inside bone help ER-positive breast cancer cells grow and spread, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent bone metastasis.
-
Progesterone Receptor Signaling and Dormancy in ER+ Breast Cancer
Researchers are studying how hormone signals in ER+/PR+ breast cancer influence cancer cell dormancy and later recurrence.
-
Heavy Metals and Breast Cancer Treatment Resistance
This project explores how exposure to heavy metals might make ER+ breast cancer harder to treat and how we might overcome this challenge.
-
Turning ER-positive breast cancer into a viral target for immune attack
This project aims to wake up viral-like bits inside ER-positive breast cancer cells so the immune system can spot and attack them.
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.