Understanding how breast cancer cells switch from being dormant to growing again
Official title: Transcriptional Regulation of Dormancy and Emergence in Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10886058 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain breast cancer cells can stay inactive and then suddenly start growing again, focusing on a specific protein that might help control this process, with the hope of finding better ways to treat and manage breast cancer for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,784 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271095-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10886058 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those at risk of metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer types or those whose cancer has already progressed beyond the metastatic stage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind the dormancy and emergence of breast cancer cells, which is crucial for improving patient outcomes. The study focuses on a specific transcription factor, Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF), that may play a key role in regulating the transition from dormancy to active growth of metastatic breast cancer cells. By conducting genetic and pharmacological experiments, the researchers aim to uncover how this factor influences both the intrinsic properties of tumor cells and their interactions with the surrounding environment. The findings could lead to new strategies for managing breast cancer metastasis and improving patient survival.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prolong the dormancy of cancer cells, reducing the risk of metastasis and improving survival rates for breast cancer patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting transcription factors for cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roy, Partha — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Roy, Partha
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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.