MNRR1, a Novel Mechanistic Target for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Metastasis
Abstract
There is currently no effective treatment for women with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) once it has spread (metastasized). The goal of this study is to identify new therapeutic drug targets in the mitochondria of TNBC patients. Mitochondria are organelles inside the cell that generate the energy required for cell growth and tumor development. We discovered that a gene called MNRR1 is a major regulator of mitochondrial function and is a key player for the metastasis of TNBC. MNRR1 is thus a promising target for metastatic disease. We demonstrated recently that breast cancers have more MNRR1 than healthy cells and that by inhibiting MNRR1 we could block the growth and metastasis of TNBC. Among patients, it has been known for many years that the rate of TNBC is higher in non-Hispanic Black women and that they die at a much higher rate. In connection with this, we have found that breast cancer cells from Black patients have more MNRR1 than non-Black patients. In this research project, we will identify why MNRR1 levels are higher and also use a drug that inhibits MNRR1 to determine whether it can block the growth and spread of tumor cells and tissues from women with TNBC.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Dec 28, 2022
- Source ID
- W81XWH2210446
Entities
People
- Andrew Fribley
Organizations
- United States Army
- Wayne State University