Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) awarded The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center a Project Grant of $426,828 under the Cancer Treatment Research program (CFDA 93.395) on May 4, 2026, with a completion date of April 30, 2028. This research grant supports the validation and translation of findings regarding JUMONJI KDM5 histone demethylase enzymes and their role in mediating resistance to CDK4/6 inhibitors in estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer. The research deliverables include preclinical testing of JUMONJI inhibitors across multiple model systems, identification of underlying epigenetic mechanisms of drug resistance, and evaluation of therapeutic strategies to prevent the emergence of drug tolerance in ER+ breast cancer patients.

The project objectives encompass three primary research products: (1) sensitivity testing of CDK inhibitor-resistant cell lines, organoids, and patient-derived xenografts to JUMONJI inhibitors; (2) characterization of epigenetic mechanisms underlying the response to JUMONJI enzyme inhibition; and (3) evaluation of both genetic and pharmacological approaches to prevent resistance development to CDK4/6 inhibitors. The research has direct clinical translation potential given that JUMONJI inhibitors have recently entered clinical trials, positioning the findings for expedited advancement toward therapeutic application in breast cancer treatment.