Targeting regulatory RNAs in triple-negative breast and basal pancreatic cancer
Project 3: Regulatory RNAs as Cancer Drivers and Dependencies
This project looks at whether turning off a cancer-linked RNA called MALAT1 can slow aggressive triple-negative breast or basal pancreatic cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294228 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using tumor samples grown like mini-tumors (patient-derived organoids) to find long noncoding RNAs that help cancers grow. They focus on the RNA MALAT1, map the proteins it binds, and study how it changes gene activity in tumors. The team will use antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) to lower MALAT1 levels in lab and animal models to see if tumors grow or spread less. Findings aim to guide ways to change these RNAs in living tissue to impact cancer progression and metastasis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with basal-like triple-negative breast cancer or basal-like pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, especially whose tumors show high MALAT1 levels, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with non-basal tumor subtypes, cancers that do not overexpress MALAT1, or those seeking immediate clinical treatment may not directly benefit from this early lab-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to ASO-based treatments that reduce tumor growth and metastasis in aggressive triple-negative breast cancer and related pancreatic cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies targeting MALAT1 and other long noncoding RNAs with antisense oligonucleotides have changed tumor behavior in models, but clinical benefit in patients remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Cold Spring Harbor, United States
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory — Cold Spring Harbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spector, David L — Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory
- Study coordinator: Spector, David 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.