Understanding how BRCA1 mutations lead to breast cancer
Official title: Mechanisms of transition from pre-malignancy to cancer in the Brca1-mutant breast
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11016820 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how women with BRCA1 mutations might go from having early signs of cancer to actually developing the disease, and it aims to find new ways to prevent cancer that are easier and less painful than current treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $527,611 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA288662-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016820 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women with deleterious BRCA1 mutations who are at high risk for developing breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without BRCA1 mutations or those who have already developed breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the transition from pre-malignancy to cancer in women with BRCA1 mutations, focusing on the cellular and molecular changes that occur during this process. Using advanced techniques like single cell RNA sequencing and spatial genomics, the study aims to identify non-genetic factors that contribute to cancer initiation. By examining a specific mouse model, researchers are looking for unique cell types and signaling pathways that could be targeted for new preventive therapies. The goal is to develop less invasive treatment options than the current standard of care, which often involves painful surgeries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies that prevent breast cancer in women with BRCA1 mutations, reducing the need for invasive surgeries.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding cancer mechanisms in BRCA1 mutation carriers, but this specific approach using single cell analysis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lawson, Devon a. — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Lawson, Devon a.
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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.