Understanding how TAZ affects the tumor environment in aggressive breast cancer
Official title: TAZ-driven Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-10995290 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called TAZ to see how it affects the immune system and tumor growth in triple-negative breast cancer, with the hope of finding new treatment options for patients facing this challenging type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $78,125 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA286634-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995290 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other subtypes of breast cancer or those who do not have breast cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of TAZ, a protein involved in cell signaling, in the tumor microenvironment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The study aims to understand how TAZ influences the behavior of immune cells and tumor progression, particularly in the context of TNBC, which is known for its aggressive nature and lack of targeted therapies. By using mouse models, researchers will explore how TAZ expression impacts the recruitment and function of immune suppressive cells that can affect tumor growth and response to treatment. This could lead to new insights into potential therapeutic strategies for patients with TNBC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that improve outcomes for patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in cancer progression, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Jianmin — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Jianmin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic study to understand how genetics and epigenetics shape triple-negative breast cancer in African ancestry
This study looks at how inherited genes and gene activity affect triple-negative breast cancer in people of African ancestry to better understand why outcomes can be worse.
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A study aims to block two cancer-promoting pathways (IL-6 and CDK4/6) to prevent or reduce progression of triple-negative breast cancer in women veterans.
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-
Dormancy in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: How Liver and Skin Metastases Go Quiet or Reactivate
Researchers will study how dormant cancer cells in liver and skin metastases of triple-negative breast cancer become quiescent or wake up, using organ-on-chip models and single-cell analysis to map chromatin states.
-
Rac-enhanced CAR-Macrophages against TNBC
A new cell therapy approach uses engineered macrophages with a CAR and Rac2 activation to target and kill triple-negative breast cancer cells expressing CSPG4.
-
A new peptide therapy to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer
A new peptide therapy called PEG-FUD is being tested to help treat metastatic triple-negative breast cancer by normalizing the tumor environment to improve treatment delivery.
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.