Understanding How Breast Cancer Cells Spread
Relaxed Polymerase Pausing as a Driver of Epigenetic Plasticity and Cancer Cell Invasion
This project aims to understand how breast cancer cells change and move to new parts of the body, which could help us stop cancer from spreading.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11060989 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many breast cancer deaths happen when the cancer spreads to other organs. This happens when cancer cells become more flexible and can move away from the original tumor, a process called epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). We are looking into the genetic switches that control this flexibility and how they help cancer cells invade new areas. Our team recently found a specific protein that helps keep breast cancer cells in their original state, preventing them from spreading. We want to learn more about how this protein works and if we can use this knowledge to develop new ways to stop cancer from spreading.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding cancer biology at a cellular level, so it is not directly recruiting patients for a clinical trial at this time.
Not a fit: Patients not currently experiencing breast cancer or those whose cancer has not shown signs of spreading may not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent breast cancer from spreading, improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanism being studied is novel, other research has shown that understanding cellular changes is key to developing new cancer therapies.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- University of Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vertino, Paula M. — University of Rochester
- Study coordinator: Vertino, Paula M.
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.