Understanding how certain cells contribute to breast cancer spread
Official title: Molecular mechanisms regulating LMO2+ metastasis initiating cells
Funded at University of California Santa Cruz · NIH-11067790 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in breast cancer help the disease spread, especially focusing on a type of cell called LMO2+ that might be triggered by inflammation, with the hope of finding new ways to treat breast cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Santa Cruz NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Santa Cruz, United States) |
| Project start | May 17, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $344,427 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA269754-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11067790 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women diagnosed with breast cancer, particularly those with metastatic disease or at high risk for metastasis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-breast cancer-related conditions or those whose cancer has already been treated and is not metastatic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind metastasis in breast cancer, focusing on a specific type of cell known as metastasis initiating cells (MICs). By utilizing advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and computational analysis, the study aims to identify and understand the role of LMO2+ cells in promoting cancer spread. The researchers hypothesize that these cells are activated by inflammation and play a critical role in metastasis, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies for breast cancer treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that prevent or reduce breast cancer metastasis, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of specific cell populations in cancer metastasis, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sikandar, Shaheen — University of California Santa Cruz
- Study coordinator: Sikandar, Shaheen
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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.