Understanding how certain proteins affect breast cancer growth
Alternative Splicing Rewiring by Neurofibromin Isoforms Through ER-alpha and RAS Dependent Mechanisms
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11232016
This project explores how specific proteins called neurofibromin isoforms influence breast cancer development by changing how genes are used.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11232016 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Our cells use a process called alternative splicing to create different versions of proteins from the same gene, which is crucial for cell health. In breast cancer, this process often goes wrong, and certain proteins that control gene use become overactive. We also know that a signaling pathway called RAS is often overactive in breast cancer, even without direct mutations. This project aims to understand how changes in neurofibromin, a protein that normally helps control RAS, contribute to breast cancer progression by affecting alternative splicing and other key signals like estrogen receptor alpha. We will use breast cancer cell lines to uncover these complex interactions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for future patients with breast cancer, especially those whose tumors show changes in neurofibromin, RAS, or estrogen receptor alpha signaling.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or direct clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to target breast cancer by understanding how specific proteins and gene processes contribute to its growth.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of neurofibromin in RNA interactions is largely unexplored, previous findings have linked neurofibromin to estrogen receptor alpha in breast cancer, suggesting a foundation for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES
- HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — EAST LANSING, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DISCHINGER, PATRICK — HENRY FORD HEALTH + MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: DISCHINGER, PATRICK
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.
Conditions: Breast Cancer, Breast Cancer cell line, Cancer Cause, Cancer Etiology, Cancers