Tracing early cell changes that lead to basal-like breast cancer
A premalignant chronology of cell-state variability in basal-like breast cancer
Using a new model, researchers will map early cell and immune changes that lead to basal-like breast cancer to help people at higher genetic or racial risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249540 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses a genetically engineered mouse system (MADM) that marks cells losing Brca1 and Trp53 with GFP so tiny premalignant lesions can be seen before tumors form. The team will pair that model with dissociation-free transcriptomics to read cell-state programs in intact tissue and follow how mutant epithelial cells evolve over time. They will also profile which immune cells are recruited to these early lesions to understand how immunity may promote or block tumor growth. Although the experiments use mice, the aim is to reveal early cellular steps that could point to detection, prevention, or immune-based strategies for people at risk of basal-like breast cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most likely to benefit are those at high risk for basal-like breast cancer, such as individuals with BRCA1 or TP53 mutations and many African American women.
Not a fit: Patients with other breast cancer subtypes (for example, hormone receptor–positive cancers) or those with advanced metastatic disease are less likely to receive direct benefit from these early-stage findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify early markers or immune targets to improve detection or prevention of basal-like breast cancer in high-risk people.
How similar studies have performed: Related mouse and single-cell studies have shown immune involvement and cell-state diversity in breast cancer, but combining the MADM model with dissociation-free transcriptomics to map premalignant chronology is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Janes, Kevin a — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Janes, Kevin a
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.