What triggers cancer in BRCA1-linked breasts
Mechanisms of transition from pre-malignancy to cancer in the Brca1-mutant breast
This work looks for early cell changes that lead to breast cancer in people with harmful BRCA1 mutations so safer prevention options can be developed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306068 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project traces how cells in BRCA1-mutant breast tissue change before cancer appears. The team uses BRCA1/p53-deficient mouse models and maps individual cells with single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial genomics to identify abnormal cell types, including basal-luminal intermediate (BLI) cells. They are also studying alterations in activin signaling and other non-genetic factors that may drive tumor formation. The overall aim is to find molecular targets that could be blocked to prevent cancer without resorting to risk-reducing mastectomy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who carry harmful BRCA1 mutations or have a strong family history of BRCA1-related breast cancer are the most relevant group for this work.
Not a fit: People without BRCA1 mutations or those who need immediate clinical cancer treatment are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this preclinical-focused project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal targets or markers that enable non-surgical prevention methods for people with BRCA1 mutations.
How similar studies have performed: Prior single-cell and mouse-model studies have identified similar hybrid cell types and signaling changes, but turning those findings into proven human prevention therapies is still unproven.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lawson, Devon a. — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Lawson, Devon a.
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.