Development and Evaluation of Novel Small Molecules Targeting Lysophosphatidic Acid Receptor 1 for the Treatment of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), characterized by the absence of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) expression, exhibits high invasiveness, metastatic potential, and poor prognosis. Current chemotherapy for metastatic TNBC is associated with low response rates and short progression-free survival. It is imperative to find new therapies for this aggressive type of breast cancer. Recent data from our lab suggests that LPA1 antagonists can inhibit the migration and invasion of TNBC cells. In this project, a novel series of LPA1 antagonists with enhanced drug properties will be synthesized and evaluated. The most active and selective LPA1 ligands will be used as molecular probes to investigate the mechanisms underlying LPA1’s involvement in TNBC metastasis. This project has the potential to introduce a groundbreaking therapy for TNBC. The successful application of the proposed LPA1 antagonists in this research will benefit not only the health research community but also the broader community of females struggling with breast cancer.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jinqiang Hou

Student:

Partner:

Thunder Bay Regional Health Research Institute

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Health and Related Sciences & Technology; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Lakehead University

Program: