Targeting MYC acetylation in aggressive luminal B breast cancer

Project 1

NIH-funded research Beckman Research Institute/city of Hope · NIH-11177845

Testing whether blocking specific chemical tags on the MYC protein can stop aggressive, treatment-resistant luminal B breast cancers.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeckman Research Institute/city of Hope NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Duarte, United States)
Project IDNIH-11177845 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You will hear from researchers who are looking at how three chemical tags (acetyl groups) on the MYC protein help some luminal B breast tumors grow and resist treatment. They will examine tumor biopsy samples and lab models to see which enzymes add or read those tags, focusing on proteins like p300, GCN5, PIN1, and YEATS2. The team will manipulate those acetylation sites in cells and tissues to see how tumor behavior changes and to find parts of the pathway that could be targeted by drugs. The ultimate aim is to find new targets that block only the cancer-promoting actions of MYC while sparing normal cell functions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with luminal B breast cancer (ER-positive, HER2-negative, high Ki67), especially those whose tumors are aggressive or not responding to standard treatments, would be most relevant.

Not a fit: Patients with other breast cancer subtypes (for example HER2-positive or triple-negative) or with indolent luminal A tumors are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Could identify new drug targets that specifically block cancer-driving MYC activity and improve outcomes for patients with aggressive, therapy-resistant luminal B breast cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Directly targeting MYC has largely failed in prior trials, so focusing on MYC acetylation is a newer, relatively untested approach.

Where this research is happening

Duarte, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast CancerBreast Cancer CellBreast Cancer PatientCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.