Lncrna EPIC1 induces immunotherapy resistance by activating EZH2 in breast cancer

Active Project Grant Awarded Last action

Award ID
R01CA272866
Recipient
Awarding agency
Obligated
$1,520,790

Award facts

Assistance listing
93.395 Cancer Treatment Research
Completion date 67% complete
Place of performance
Pittsburgh, PA 15222, USA

Award details come from USAspending.gov.

Description

Abstract
On july 26, 2021, the FDA approved the anti-PD1 immunotherapy pembrolizumab (keytruda®, merck) for triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Although significant progress has been made in breast cancer immunotherapy, resistance to immunotherapy remains a major obstacle to lasting survival benefit in breast cancer patients. Targetable mechanisms to overcome therapeutic resistance are urgently needed. Emerging evidence have shown that long noncoding RNA genes (LNCRNAS) play essential roles in the tumor immunity. In our recent publication, we have identified a lncrna, EPIC1, that is specifically expressed in tumor cells and suppresses the antitumor immune response through activating EZH2 protein. Based on our preliminary data, we hypothesize that (a) EPIC1 induces immunotherapy resistance by activating EZH2 in breast cancer; and (B) EZH2 inhibitor, tazemetostat (tazverik®), may enhance responses to anti-PD1 therapy for EPIC1 overexpressed breast cancer. We have designed three aims to test our hypotheses. Aim 1 will determine the association of the EPIC1-EZH2 axis with tumor immune suppression in human breast cancer samples. Aim 2 will dissect the mechanism by which the EPIC1-EZH2 axis regulates tumor immunity. Aim 3 will test the efficacy of tazemetostat, alone or combined with anti-PD1, in humanized breast cancer mouse models. We have formed a team including basic, translational and clinical investigators, who have deep experience in breast cancer pathology, RNA biology, and immunotherapy to conduct the proposed research. Our project will provide key preclinical data and biomarkers for the combination of two FDA- approved cancer drugs for breast cancer patients.

Transactions

Action Obligated Date
Amendment $371,510
Amendment $378,023
Amendment $365,009
Original award $406,248

Subawards

Subrecipient Amount Awarded
HMH Hospitals Corporation Provide expertise and consultation for the studies $134,670
HMH Hospitals Corporation LncRNA EPIC1 induces immunotherapy resistance by activating EZH2 in breast cancer $43,368
HMH Hospitals Corporation $45,649

Quick answers

Who received award R01CA272866?

R01CA272866 was awarded to University Of Pittsburgh - Of The Commonwealth System Of Higher Education by National Cancer Institute (National Institutes of Health) on June 16, 2023.

How much is award R01CA272866 worth?

$1,520,790 has been obligated on R01CA272866.

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