Understanding Exitrons in Breast Cancer
Genome-wide mapping and characterization of exitrons in human cancer
This project explores tiny genetic changes called exitrons to understand how they affect breast cancer and if they could lead to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11099999 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our bodies have complex genetic instructions, and sometimes small changes, called exitrons, happen within these instructions. This project looks closely at these exitrons in breast cancer cells to see how they might contribute to the disease's growth or resistance to treatment. We are developing special computer tools to find these exitrons and then studying how they change the proteins in cancer cells. The hope is that by understanding these changes, we can discover new ways to fight breast cancer, possibly even by creating new vaccines.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future breast cancer patients who might benefit from new, targeted therapies.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options will not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could uncover new targets for developing personalized cancer vaccines or T-cell therapies for breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: While emerging evidence suggests exitrons are important in cancer, this project is developing new methods to specifically detect and characterize these events, making it a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Chicago, United States
- Northwestern University — Chicago, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Rendong — Northwestern University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Rendong
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.