Ruth Keri, PhD, Associate Director for Basic Research at Case CCC and Professor in the Department of Molecular Medicine at Cleveland Clinic, is investigating the role of cyclin-dependent kinase 10 (CDK10) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), with the goal of identifying new therapeutic targets.
Supported by a VeloSano pilot grant, Keri’s research builds on findings that CDK10 expression is elevated in TNBC compared with other breast cancer subtypes and that TNBC cells depend on CDK10 for growth. Her team is investigating how CDK10 regulates centrosomes, which organize microtubules and play a critical role in cell division, and whether this function is required for TNBC growth. The researchers are also examining potential associations between CDK10 expression, centrosome activity and differences in patient outcomes across populations.
The findings could help researchers develop targeted therapeutic strategies for a breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options.