Role of GIP and GLP1 receptors in breast cancer

Over the two-year research period, the researcher will investigate the role of incretin receptors GIPR and GLP1R in breast cancer. Receptor expression will be characterized in tumor samples and through transcriptomic datasets, including TCGA, assessing associations with molecular subtypes, prognosis, and clinicopathological features. Functional in vitro studies will also be performed in breast cancer cell lines exposed to GIP and GLP-1 agonists to evaluate effects on proliferation, cellular metabolism, phenotypic plasticity, and oncogenic signaling. These data will be integrated with findings on the insulin signaling system to define a metabolic signaling network in breast cancer, with particular focus on obesity and insulin resistance, and to identify potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets