Downstream effectors of serine biosynthesis pathway metabolites as novel targets in triple negative breast cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is challenging to treat and has few treatment options but with the support of an Atlantic Canada Research Grant, Dr Patrick Murphy is working to improve the outlook for people facing this cancer. Some TNBCs grow by breaking down glucose into a molecule called serine. Serine-inhibiting drugs have been developed to stop TNBC’s ability to grow and spread, but these drugs have not had significantly positive results in preclinical trials. To understand why these drugs fail, Dr Murphy and his team are using a tool called mass spectrometry to identify molecules that may be protecting TNBC from serine-inhibiting drug therapies. By targeting and disabling these molecules, the team may be able to revisit serine‑targeting as a promising new therapy with potential to improve outcomes for people with TNBC.