Targeting lineage plasticity to slow basal-like breast cancer progression
Official title: Targeting lineage plasticity to inhibit basal-like breast cancer progression
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11428666 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher team wants to find ways to stop a highly aggressive form of breast cancer by blocking how cancer cells change identity.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $190,466 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA289734-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11428666 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with basal-like breast cancer or BRCA1-related breast cancer who may benefit from therapies targeting cell differentiation pathways.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose cancer does not involve lineage plasticity or SOX9-driven de-differentiation may see limited benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at basal-like breast cancer, which often affects younger people and those with BRCA1 mutations, and tries to limit its spread by preventing cancer cells from changing into more dangerous forms. Using mouse models, the team will study SOX9 and the process of dedifferentiation that helps cancers become multipotent and invasive. The work aims to identify targets that could stop this change and reduce resistance to chemotherapy. If successful, the findings could lead to new strategies to treat BLBC with fewer side effects and better outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that limit cancer cell plasticity and improve survival for patients with basal-like breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier studies in mouse models suggest that blocking de-differentiation can prevent progression, indicating this approach may be promising but requires human validation.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Wenjun — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Guo, Wenjun
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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.