Understanding how genes control mammary gland development

Transcriptional regulation of mammary gland development

NIH-funded research Michigan State University · NIH-11057616

This study is looking at how certain proteins called E2F transcription factors help the mammary gland grow and work properly, which is important for breastfeeding, and it could also help us understand how problems with these proteins might be linked to breast cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMichigan State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Lansing, United States)
Project IDNIH-11057616 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of specific transcription factors in the development and function of the mammary gland, which is crucial for lactation and offspring rearing. The study focuses on the E2F transcription factors, particularly the repressor types, to understand their influence on mammary gland development. By using advanced techniques like chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-seq), researchers aim to uncover how these factors regulate key developmental genes. Insights gained from this research could help explain how disruptions in these processes may lead to breast cancer.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a family history of breast cancer or those who are at high risk for developing breast cancer.

Not a fit: Patients who are not affected by breast cancer or do not have risk factors related to mammary gland development may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating breast cancer by targeting the underlying mechanisms of mammary gland development.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown success in understanding the roles of transcription factors in cancer biology, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

East Lansing, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Breast CancerCancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.