UIW Professor Receives Major Grant for Breast Cancer Research

Grant will help in research to fight one of the most aggressive forms of the disease

San Antonio– October 8, 2024 – For University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) Assistant Professor Dr. Charles Fermaintt the fight against breast cancer is personal. His mother was diagnosed and survived breast cancer in 2016. Now, Fermaintt is taking on one of the most aggressive forms of the disease in his research being done right here at UIW. That research has just been awarded a grant of more than $500,000 over the next three years from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“In 2018, when I started my postdoctoral training, I began doing research on Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) at UT Health San Antonio under the guidance of experts in TNBC research Dr. Susan L. Mooberry and Dr. April L. Risinger,” recalls Fermaintt. “Here I uncovered a macrocyclic diterpenoid compound by the name of yuanhuacine from a plant that selectively eliminated a specific subtype of TNBC. I have since continued to work on this class of compounds here at UIW for about 6 years.”

Triple-negative breast cancer is a highly aggressive class of breast cancer that is characterized by lacking detectable expression of the estrogen, progesterone, and the HER2 receptors hence why it is called triple negative. The expression of these three markers are used to define the course of treatment for the tumor and in most cases in which these markers are present patients are given a targeted treatment regimen. This means that the treatment is more focused on eliminating the cancer cells in a more precise manner while eliminating undesired side effects and the possibility of relapse (the cancer coming back after remission). Since TNBC lacks these markers, the only pharmacological treatment option is general chemotherapy which is not too selective and has many side effects. Because of this, TNBC patients tend to have lower overall survival when compared to non-TNBC patients.

“My research focuses on identifying compounds from botanical sources that possess targeted treatment-like features,” says Fermaintt. “We are looking for substances that will selectively eliminate TNBC cells but not other cells. We use plants due to their history of being a rich source of agents with medicinal properties. Once we identify a compound, we use it to learn what is molecularly unique about the TNBC cells that make it susceptible to the effects of the compound. By learning more about the biochemistry of the sensitive cells we hope to identify new markers that could assist in informing on targeted treatment options for these patients.”

The NIH grant will not only advance the work that Fermaintt is doing, it also provides a critical training ground for UIW students who are the researchers of tomorrow. Fermaintt involves many students on his research team and calls their work “pivotal.”

“Students are the beating heart of any research project,” says Fermaintt. “It is also my philosophy to integrate our talented science undergraduate students in the development of the research pursued in my research laboratory. Not only will this provide unprecedented training to our students in an NIH-funded project but allow me to hear their ideas and unique perspectives. This framework allows our students to independently develop and eventually present their cutting-edge research at nationally recognized scientific meetings.”

Fermaintt says he has witnessed firsthand how UIW students embody the core values of the institution of educational excellence, innovation, truth, faith and service. Through this grant and the proposed study, he says he will continue supporting our students’ scientific creativity and rigor while elevating the name of UIW at a national level.

Dr. Carlos Garcia, dean of the UIW School of Mathematics, Science & Engineering agrees, “I am immensely proud of Dr. Fermaintt’s accomplishments. His research not only represents a significant step forward in the fight against one of the most aggressive forms of breast cancer, but it also highlights the critical importance of exploring natural product-derived compounds in innovative cancer therapies. This recognition from the NIH further underscores the impact of his work. Dr. Fermaintt has also demonstrated exceptional leadership in engaging undergraduate students in his research program, providing them with invaluable opportunities to contribute to such an important field. His dedication to both scientific discovery and mentorship exemplifies the Mission of the University of the Incarnate Word.”

And Dr. Mark Nijland, dean of Research and Graduate Studies concludes, “My entire office is very excited for Dr. Fermaintt and his achievement of this milestone for his career. We look forward to supporting him through this grant and hopefully more!”

PHOTO CAPTION: Dr. Charles Fermaintt/ Asst. Professor, UIW Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry