Understanding how breast cancer spreads to the brain
PDGF-BB and the metastatic brain microenvironment
This project explores how a specific growth factor helps breast cancer cells change the brain environment, making it easier for them to spread and grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11138635 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our previous work showed that a protein called PDGFB, released by breast cancer cells, and its partner PDGFRβ, found on brain cells, play a key role in breast cancer spreading to the brain. We found that high levels of PDGFB in a primary breast tumor can predict if the cancer will spread to the brain, and that blocking PDGFRβ can slow down tumor growth in the brain in mouse models. This new effort will delve deeper into how breast cancer cells with PDGFB transform the brain's environment, focusing on changes to the immune system and blood vessels. By understanding these changes, we hope to find new ways to predict and treat breast cancer that has spread to the brain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with breast cancer, particularly those at risk for or currently experiencing brain metastasis, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients without breast cancer or those whose cancer has not spread to the brain would not directly benefit from this specific research focus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to predict which breast cancer patients are at risk for brain metastasis and develop new treatments to stop or slow its progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior work by this research group has already identified the importance of PDGFB-to-PDGFRβ signaling in breast cancer brain metastasis and shown promising results with targeted inhibitors in models.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sizemore, Gina Marie — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Sizemore, Gina Marie
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.