# Distinct contributions of mesenchymal cell niches in the therapeutic potential of the hedgehog pathway in triple negative breast cancer

> **NIH NIH SC1** · UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MAYAGUEZ · 2022 · $152,147

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 Breast cancer remains a leading cause of death in the US. Among the breast cancer types, triple-negative
breast cancer (TNBC) is considered to have a poorer prognosis due to its rapid growth, invasiveness, and rate
of metastasis. Also, the TNBC subtype is more likely to relapse than other types of breast cancer. Recent studies
support the tumor-associated extracellular matrix (ECM) as a critical factor in cancer development and relapse
mechanisms. The ECM of normal or tumorigenic tissue comprises a complex mixture of biomolecules, such as
the extracellular vesicles within the ECM known as the matrix-bound nanovesicles (MBVs). However, tumor-
ECM, MBVs and their impact on the mechanism of breast cancer and TNBC remain poorly understood.
 ECMs, if appropriately processed, can be used as naturally derived biomaterials that promote a relevant
microenvironment for cell and mechanistic research with a safe record of clinical use. Tissue-specific ECM
hydrogels are ideal for clinical application, particularly given the emerging need to develop tools for precision
medicine. We hypothesize that extracellular vesicles within the ECM (tumor or normal) work as an oncogenic
seed that will modulate cellular behavior impacting drug test models. This proposal aims to define how tumor
and stromal ECM and associated MBV components impact the Hedgehog pathway in TNBC as a potential route
to develop relevant models for drug-testing treatments in breast cancer. Also, the diversity proposal looks to
strengthen the clinical relevancy of the candidate's work, paving the way to become an independent investigator
in the biomedical field while securing tenure in the institution. At the end of this supplemental diversity proposal
and under the PI's mentoring plan, the candidate (faculty) will obtain publications in the field of cancer, build
strategic networking, and gather preliminary data to support R-level grant submission.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10641327
- **Project number:** 3SC1GM131967-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF PUERTO RICO MAYAGUEZ
- **Principal Investigator:** Maribella Domenech
- **Activity code:** SC1 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $152,147
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2020-08-01 → 2024-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10641327

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10641327, Distinct contributions of mesenchymal cell niches in the therapeutic potential of the hedgehog pathway in triple negative breast cancer (3SC1GM131967-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10641327. Licensed CC0.

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