Tubulin “toggle switch” in human breast cancer
Official title: Phosphorylation of α/β Tubulin is a 'Toggle Switch' in Human Breast Cancer
Funded at Queens College · NIH-11353947 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how specific tubulin protein changes control breast cancer cell behavior, with potential implications for new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Queens College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Flushing, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $152,526 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM153696-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11353947 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with breast cancer whose tumors exhibit relevant tubulin-related molecular features or who could participate in future translational/clinical studies based on preclinical findings.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not involve the studied tubulin phosphorylation pathways may see limited benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This project looks at how the phosphorylation of tubulin proteins affects breast cancer cell growth and movement. Researchers will use cell models and may incorporate animal studies to test how these chemical changes influence microtubule behavior. The goal is to understand whether changing these phosphorylation patterns could alter cancer progression and responsiveness to therapies. Results could point to new ways to slow or stop tumor growth in people with breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could uncover new targets to limit breast cancer spread and inform future treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Similar preclinical work on microtubule dynamics has informed cancer biology, supporting the relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Queens College
Flushing, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rotenberg, Susan a. — Queens College
- Study coordinator: Rotenberg, Susan a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Improving Breast Cancer Guideline Adherence in Nigeria
Aimed at helping doctors in Nigeria follow international guideline-based breast cancer care to improve outcomes for women with breast cancer.
-
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.
-
Translational breast cancer research to improve treatment options
A comprehensive program at Baylor College of Medicine is focusing on breast cancer; researchers will advance targeted therapies and biomarkers to help patients with aggressive or hard-to-treat forms.
-
Cancer Pain Management for Asian American Breast Cancer Survivors with Depressive Symptoms
A technology-based program helps Asian American breast cancer survivors with depressive symptoms manage chronic pain more effectively from home using a web app and mobile tools.
-
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.
-
Gut bacteria and metabolites linked to breast density and cancer risk
A small, patient-friendly study will explore whether gut bacteria and their byproducts are connected to high breast density, which can raise cancer risk and make screening less accurate.
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.