Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer
NCI - National Cancer Institute
About This Grant
PROJECT SUMMARY Ploidy altering mechanisms such as cell-cell fusion and whole genome doubling (WGD) can drive intratumoral heterogeneity and alter chemotherapeutic response. Understanding the causes and consequences of these mechanisms is especially important in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) which accounts for 15-20% of diagnosed breast cancers and does not have targeted treatment options. We hypothesize that ploidy altering mechanisms are a driving force behind intratumoral heterogeneity and can function as active escape or damage recovery mechanisms to allow cells to resist chemotherapy. Our previous data show that even rare homotypic fusion events in TNBC cells can result in durable aneuploidy, enhanced motility, and therapeutic resistance, highlighting a need to uncover the molecular regulators of this process. The central objective of this proposal is to identify and validate gene activators of cancer cell-cell fusion that contribute to CIN and tumor evolution in TNBC. In Aim 1, we will perform a pooled CRISPRa screen in TNBC cells to discover genes whose activation promotes homotypic cell-cell fusion, using a dual-fluorescent coculture system and targeted sgRNA sequencing to quantify enrichment in fusion-derived populations. In Aim 2, we will develop a live-cell imaging pipeline to track fusion dynamics and perform a small-scale arrayed CRISPRa screen to validate the top candidate drivers of Aim 1. Together, these studies aim to reveal novel, targetable regulators of cell-cell fusion in TNBC, offering new therapeutic options to block TNBC progression. This project is a focused, two-year effort to identify candidate regulators of a novel, understudied process. We envision that this work will generate strong preliminary data for a detailed mechanistic investigation of cancer cell-cell fusion (through an R01 or similar application) in the future.
Grant Summary
Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer is a NCI - National Cancer Institute grant providing up to $151K for university, nonprofit, healthcare org. Applications are due 2028-05-30 (open). Check eligibility and apply with FindGrants.
Focus Areas
Eligibility
How to Apply
Up to $151K
2028-05-30
- 1Confirm your organization is eligible for Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer from NCI - National Cancer Institute, checking organization type, location, and any population or project requirements.
- 2Gather the required documents and information, including your organization details, project plan, and budget figures.
- 3Draft your application narrative and budget addressing the funder's priorities and review criteria. FindGrants can draft each section for you to review and edit.
- 4Review every section against the requirements checklist, then export a submission-ready application pack and submit it to NCI - National Cancer Institute before the deadline.
Don't want to draft it yourself?
We'll draft the complete application against NCI - National Cancer Institute's requirements, run a quality review, and email you a submission-ready PDF plus an editable Word doc within 5 business days. Most orders deliver in 24-48 hours. Flat $399, any grant size.
AI Requirement Analysis
Detailed requirements not yet analyzed
Have the NOFO? Paste it below for AI-powered requirement analysis.
Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer: Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible for the Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer?
Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer is offered by NCI - National Cancer Institute and is generally open to university, nonprofit, healthcare org. It is open to organizations nationwide unless the funder specifies otherwise. Review the specific eligibility terms before applying, since funders set their own requirements around organization type, location, and the population or project being served.
How much funding does the Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer provide?
Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer provides up to $151K per award from NCI - National Cancer Institute. Actual award sizes depend on the scope of your project, available program funds, and the number of applicants, so build a budget that reflects realistic, allowable costs rather than the maximum figure.
When is the Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer deadline?
Applications for Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer are due 2028-05-30 (open). Because deadlines can change, verify the date with the funder, NCI - National Cancer Institute, and give yourself enough time to prepare a complete, competitive application before the close date.
How do you apply for the Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer?
To apply for Novel mediators of cell-cell fusion in triple negative breast cancer, confirm your eligibility, gather the required documents, and prepare a narrative and budget that address the funder's priorities. FindGrants guides you step by step and can draft each section, then exports a submission-ready application pack for this grant from NCI - National Cancer Institute.