Federal Project Grant Award Summary

Duke University's Office of Research Administration received a $626,475 Project Grant award from the National Cancer Institute under the Cancer Biology Research program (CFDA 93.396) on June 15, 2026, with a completion date of May 31, 2031. This award funds fundamental research investigating the role of integrin alpha-6 (a6) in breast cancer metastasis to the leptomeninges—the cerebrospinal fluid-containing membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The research aims to elucidate previously unrecognized mechanisms by which integrin a6 regulates metabolic adaptation and survival of breast cancer cells in this unique microenvironment, where tumors transition from a hypoxic, nutrient-rich bone marrow environment to a relatively hyperoxic, nutrient-poor leptomeningeal environment.

The project deliverables include fundamental research findings on how integrin a6 promotes mitochondrial integrity and facilitates adaptive metabolic shifts between glycolytic and oxidative phosphorylation pathways in leptomeningeal metastases. Preliminary findings demonstrate that genetic deletion or antibody neutralization of a6 prevents metabolic adaptation and induces mitochondrial dysfunction under glucose deprivation, with in vivo pilot data showing that anti-a6 blocking antibody treatment improves overall and clinical disease-free survival in mouse models. These research outputs are expected to provide mechanistic insights that may inform development of novel therapeutic interventions for this rapidly fatal cancer complication with limited current treatment options.