Targeting Redox Vulnerabilities in TNBC Stem Cells
Official title: Targeting Metabolic Vulnerabilities of Triple Negative Breast Cancer Stem Cells
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11364169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach aims to kill stubborn cancer stem-like cells in triple-negative breast cancer by using a redox-active compound to increase damaging oxygen species, potentially improving outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,423,642 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA282098-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with triple-negative breast cancer, especially those with tumors enriched for cancer stem-like cells, may eventually benefit from advances stemming from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-TNBC breast cancers or those without CSC-driven disease may derive little direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on triple-negative breast cancer and its cancer stem-like cells, which are linked to early relapse. Researchers will test IB-DNQ, a compound that selectively raises reactive oxygen species in these cells, alone or with SOD1 inhibition, in lab dishes and mouse models. They will explore how this strategy causes cancer cell death and whether it can also boost anti-tumor immune responses in living animals. The work progresses through in vitro studies, animal models, and mechanistic analyses to understand the approach's potential before moving toward clinical exploration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could lead to new treatments that specifically target cancer stem cells in TNBC and improve survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in redox biology have shown that targeting oxidative stress can affect cancer stem cells, with promising preclinical results though clinical translation remains ongoing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wicha, Max S. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Wicha, Max S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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Co-Targeting IL-6 and CDK4/6 to Prevent TNBC in Women Veterans
A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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Linking heavy metal exposure to a tougher breast cancer type (TNBC)
Aimed at understanding how heavy metals like cadmium might trigger a dangerous breast cancer type (TNBC) in people, especially those with BRCA1 risk, to identify possible future treatment strategies.
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Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
-
Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
-
A new peptide therapy to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
A new peptide therapy called PEG-FUD is being tested to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by normalizing the tumor environment to improve treatment delivery.
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.