Targeting the NSD3 enzyme in breast cancer
Development of chemical probe targeting NSD3 SET domain in breast cancer
Developing new small-molecule drugs that block the NSD3 enzyme to slow growth of breast cancers with extra copies of the NSD3 gene.
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 ID | NIH-11296891 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project is creating chemical probes that latch onto the NSD3 SET domain, an enzyme linked to tumor growth in about 15% of breast cancers. Researchers will optimize these compounds in the lab and test them in breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived tumor models to see if blocking NSD3 stops tumor growth. Early work already found molecules that selectively bind NSD3 and reduce growth of NSD3-amplified cancer cells, and the team will refine those leads and test them in animal and tumor models. The ultimate aim is to produce lead compounds that could move toward clinical development for patients with NSD3-driven tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People whose breast tumors show NSD3 (WHSC1L1) amplification or high NSD3 activity would be the most likely candidates for this approach.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have NSD3 amplification or are driven by other molecular pathways may not benefit from NSD3-targeting drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to targeted therapies that slow or stop growth of breast cancers driven by NSD3 amplification.
How similar studies have performed: This is a novel approach with no clinical NSD3 SET-domain inhibitors yet, though early laboratory studies show selective compounds can slow NSD3-amplified breast cancer cells.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cierpicki, Tomasz — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Cierpicki, Tomasz
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.