Understanding how a protein called Akt works inside cells to drive breast cancer growth
Regulation of Nuclear Akt by p53, MDM2 and Phosphoinositide Lipids Roles in Oncogenic Transformation and Tumor Progression
This work explores how a specific signaling pathway, often overactive in cancer, functions within the cell's control center to promote breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159741 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our cells have a natural growth pathway called PI3K/Akt, which is often too active in cancer. While we know it works on the cell's outer membrane, we're still learning how it acts inside the cell's nucleus. This project aims to uncover how Akt is turned on within the nucleus, especially in connection with a protective protein called p53. By understanding these detailed steps, we hope to find new ways to stop cancer cells from growing and spreading.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit those with breast cancer by uncovering new disease mechanisms.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or other related cancers would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new drug targets and treatments for breast cancer by interrupting critical growth signals within cancer cells.
How similar studies have performed: While the general PI3K/Akt pathway is well-studied, the specific nuclear mechanisms being explored here represent a novel and less understood area of cancer biology.
Where this research is happening
Madison, United States
- University of Wisconsin-Madison — Madison, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anderson, Richard a. — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Anderson, Richard 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.