Understanding how a specific estrogen receptor affects therapy-resistant breast cancer progression
Official title: Investigating the role of G-protein coupled estrogen receptor expression on cancer associated fibroblasts in therapy resistant ER+ breast cancer progression
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11080756 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific receptor called GPER in certain cells around breast tumors might affect the growth and spread of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer that doesn't respond to treatment, especially in patients who have trouble with tamoxifen.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | April 8, 2024 |
| Project end | April 7, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $36,603 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA284785-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080756 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer who are experiencing or at risk of therapy resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-estrogen receptor positive breast cancer or those who have not undergone antihormone therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the G-protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) in the progression of therapy-resistant estrogen receptor positive (ER+) breast cancer. It focuses on how GPER expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts influences the tumor microenvironment and contributes to disease progression and metastasis. The study will utilize both in vitro and in vivo models to explore the mechanisms by which GPER activated fibroblasts affect the extracellular matrix and tumor behavior, particularly in the context of tamoxifen resistance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that overcome resistance in ER+ breast cancer, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of estrogen receptors in breast cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fertal, Shelby — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Fertal, Shelby
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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ER+ Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis in a Real Body Environment
This grant aims to understand why estrogen receptor alpha–positive breast cancer often spreads to bone and how the bone environment and immune system affect treatment resistance.
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Targeting RAGE to fight obesity-related ER+ breast cancer and its drug resistance
A scientist team will explore how obesity-related inflammation involving RAGE and estrone interacts with ER+ breast cancer to drive growth and spread, aiming to find strategies to overcome therapy resistance.
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Understanding estrogen signals in bone to stop ER+ breast cancer spread
This NIH grant aims to uncover how estrogen signals inside bone help ER-positive breast cancer cells grow and spread, with the goal of finding better ways to prevent bone metastasis.
-
Progesterone Receptor Signaling and Dormancy in ER+ Breast Cancer
Researchers are studying how hormone signals in ER+/PR+ breast cancer influence cancer cell dormancy and later recurrence.
-
Heavy Metals and Breast Cancer Treatment Resistance
This project explores how exposure to heavy metals might make ER+ breast cancer harder to treat and how we might overcome this challenge.
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Turning ER-positive breast cancer into a viral target for immune attack
This project aims to wake up viral-like bits inside ER-positive breast cancer cells so the immune system can spot and attack them.
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.