Grant: Project Grant

Approximately 20% of breast cancers are caused by changes to the ERBB2 gene, which result in uncontrolled tumor growth and metastasis (spread of cancer from the breast to other organs). Our previous studies in the mouse have shown that a specific form of the protein encoded by the ERBB2 gene, referred to as ERBB2 delta16, is highly active and promotes resistance to therapy. We recently found that ERBB2 delta16 promotes the expression of a protein called ENPP1, which is known to inhibit the immune system. The goal of this project is to characterize the role of ENPP1 in tumors expressing ERBB2, and to determine if blocking ENPP1 sensitizes breast cancer cells to immune therapies. We will then investigate ERBB2 and ENPP1 levels in human breast cancer samples, as well as their relationships with markers of the immune system. Together, this work will help determine if targeting ENPP1 could improve the outcome of breast cancer therapy.