Understanding how breast cancer cells adapt to stressful environments
Official title: Investigating lipid phenotype as a metabolic adaptation to microenvironmental stress
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11060895 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how breast cancer cells change when they face tough conditions, like not having enough oxygen or nutrients, to help us understand why some cancers become more aggressive and find new ways to treat them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | March 22, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $84,250 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA280404-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060895 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with breast cancer or those at high risk for developing breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer-related conditions or those who do not have a history of breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how breast cancer cells adapt to challenging conditions in their environment, such as low oxygen and nutrient scarcity. By studying benign breast cancer cells under these stressors, researchers aim to understand the metabolic changes that occur, particularly the accumulation of lipids in the cells. The study uses in vitro models to simulate the tumor microenvironment and identify specific adaptations that may lead to more aggressive cancer behavior. This could provide insights into the mechanisms of cancer progression and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating aggressive breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the tumor microenvironment can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
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H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pillai, Smitha R — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Pillai, Smitha R
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.