Understanding how cell processes affect HER2-positive breast cancer
Official title: Intersection of autophagy and vesicle trafficking in Her2-positive breast cancer
Funded at University of Cincinnati · NIH-11098576 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain processes in cells work together in HER2-positive breast cancer, which affects about 1 in 4 breast cancer patients, to find new ways to stop the cancer from spreading and becoming resistant to treatment, with the hope of improving care for those living with this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Cincinnati NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | July 13, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $407,633 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA211066-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11098576 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with HER2-positive breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer that do not express HER2 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between autophagy and vesicle trafficking in HER2-positive breast cancer, a subtype that affects about 25% of breast cancer patients. By utilizing mouse models, the study aims to uncover the molecular mechanisms behind metastasis and therapeutic resistance, which are significant challenges in treating this aggressive cancer. The researchers have previously found that blocking a specific autophagy gene can prevent tumor growth and spread by altering the behavior of the HER2 protein. This work could lead to new therapeutic strategies that improve outcomes for patients with HER2-positive breast cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer, potentially reducing metastasis and improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting autophagy and vesicle trafficking in cancer treatment, indicating that this approach may lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guan, Jun-Lin — University of Cincinnati
- Study coordinator: Guan, Jun-Lin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Enhancing HER2-targeted therapy for resistant breast cancer
This grant explores new ways to overcome resistance to HER2-targeted therapy in people with HER2-positive breast cancer.
-
Prolactin signaling and brain metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancer
Researchers are studying how prolactin signals help HER2-positive breast cancer cells grow in the brain, with the goal of finding new ideas to prevent brain metastases.
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XoLacta adjuvant therapy to reduce radiation side effects during HER2-positive breast cancer treatment
A new milk-derived therapy called XoLacta aims to lessen radiation-related side effects for people undergoing treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Ig repertoire in tumor-infiltrating B cells in metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer (mouse model)
Scientists will study how antibodies from immune cells inside HER2-positive breast tumors behave in a mouse model to understand potential new ways to fight the cancer.
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Autophagy and vesicle trafficking linked to HER2+ breast cancer progression
A cancer research project aims to understand how cell recycling processes and vesicle movement affect HER2-positive breast cancer, with potential implications for metastasis and resistance to therapy.
-
XoLacta to reduce radiation side effects in HER2-positive breast cancer
XoLacta, a milk-derived therapy given during radiation, aims to help people with HER2-positive breast cancer heal better and have fewer side effects.
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.