Understanding how MYC interacts with RNA to influence gene expression and cancer growth
Official title: Enhancer RNAs Boost MYC-Chromatin Interaction to Regulate Gene Expression and Tumorigenesis
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10914872 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called MYC interacts with certain RNA molecules in breast cancer, to better understand how these interactions might help cancer grow, with the hope of finding new ways to treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $399,745 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA282704-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914872 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those without breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of MYC, a key protein involved in regulating gene expression, in its interactions with enhancer RNAs (eRNAs) and how these interactions may contribute to breast cancer development. The study aims to determine if MYC acts as an RNA-binding protein and to explore the mechanisms by which eRNAs influence MYC's ability to regulate genes. By conducting experiments to analyze the oncogenic potential of specific eRNAs and mapping the MYC-eRNA regulatory network, the research seeks to uncover new insights into cancer biology that could lead to innovative therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for breast cancer by targeting the MYC-eRNA interactions.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting MYC-eRNA interactions is novel, previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of MYC in cancer, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Da — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Yang, Da
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.