Understanding how BRCA1 mutations lead to breast cancer using a new mouse model
Official title: A Novel BRCA1 Heterozygosity Driven Breast Cancer Mouse Model to Identify Tumor Initiating Events and Therapeutic Strategies
Funded at University of Massachusetts Boston · NIH-10588256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breast cancer starts in women with BRCA1 mutations, using a special mouse model to find out what happens in breast cells before tumors form, which could help develop better treatments and prevention for those at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Massachusetts Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $76,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA270831-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10588256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women with BRCA1 mutations who are at high risk for developing breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without BRCA1 mutations or those who do not have a family history of breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early events that lead to breast cancer in women with BRCA1 mutations, who are at a significantly higher risk of developing the disease. By creating a novel mouse model that mimics the BRCA1 heterozygosity, researchers aim to identify the initial changes in breast cells that contribute to tumor formation. The study focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind drug resistance in triple-negative breast cancer, which is particularly challenging to treat. The findings could pave the way for new therapeutic and preventive strategies for affected individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and preventive strategies for women with BRCA1 mutations at risk for breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been successful studies using mouse models to investigate cancer mechanisms, this specific approach using BRCA1 heterozygosity is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Massachusetts Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pathania, Shailja — University of Massachusetts Boston
- Study coordinator: Pathania, Shailja
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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.