Understanding how DNA damage affects breast cancer development in BRCA1 mutation carriers
Official title: DNA damage-related stemness program during BRCA1 breast cancer initiation
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11020350 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how breast cancer starts in people with BRCA1 mutations, especially a type called basal-like breast cancer, using a special mouse model to understand how DNA damage affects breast cells, with the hope of finding ways to prevent or catch this cancer early for those at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $527,159 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA295752-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020350 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who carry BRCA1 mutations and are at high risk for developing breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without BRCA1 mutations or those who have already developed advanced breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early stages of breast cancer development in individuals with BRCA1 mutations, focusing on a specific subtype known as basal-like breast cancer (BLBC). The team has developed a novel mouse model that mimics the initiation and progression of this cancer type, allowing them to study how DNA damage influences the transformation of mammary epithelial cells. By analyzing these changes at a cellular level, the researchers aim to uncover potential strategies for preventing or intercepting breast cancer in high-risk individuals. This work could lead to new insights into the mechanisms behind BRCA1-related breast cancer and inform future treatment approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies for breast cancer in individuals with BRCA1 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding breast cancer mechanisms in BRCA1 mutation carriers, but this specific approach using a novel mouse model is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Zhe — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Li, Zhe
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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.