Targeting the Breast Microenvironment for Cancer Immunoprevention in BRCA1 Mutation Carriers


2025 Emerging Leader Award

Kai Kessenbrock, PhD, University of California, Irvine

Kai Kessenbrock, PhD

Individuals with mutations in the BRCA1 gene have a significantly increased risk of developing breast cancer. While BRCA1 is known for its role in DNA repair, this project explores its impact on the surrounding breast tissue, particularly the immune microenvironment. Dr. Kessenbrock’s previous research has revealed that BRCA1 mutations induce precancerous changes in the breast’s stromal cells, which in turn influence the behavior of immune cells. This altered immune landscape may contribute to cancer initiation and progression. By dissecting the complex interplay between stromal cells and immune cells in the context of BRCA1 mutations, this project aims to identify therapeutic targets for immunoprevention, with the potential to prevent breast cancer development in high-risk individuals. 

Dr. Kessenbrock is an Associate Professor in the Department of Biological Chemistry at the University of California, Irvine. His lab utilizes cutting-edge technologies, including single-cell genomics and bioinformatics, to dissect the complex cellular interactions within the breast microenvironment. This research builds upon Dr. Kessenbrock’s extensive work in characterizing the breast’s cellular landscape, including the creation of a comprehensive single-cell atlas of the human breast. His ultimate goal is to translate these findings into novel immunoprevention strategies for breast cancer. 

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