Research from the University of Notre Dame lab of Crislyn D’Souza-Schorey showing that Black women are more likely to develop early-onset or more aggressive subtypes of breast cancer has been selected to compete in the annual STAT Madness contest.
The bracket-style contest, run by Stat News, highlights research developments in the biomedical sciences. Sixty-four research projects compete in weekly rounds, which are voted on by the public to determine the project that is considered one of the most impactful of the year.
“The disparity in breast cancer mortality rates is multifaceted; it’s important to understand the biological and genetic differences within normal tissue as these variations could potentially influence treatment options and survival rates,” said D’Souza-Schory, the Morris Pollard Professor in the Department of Biological Sciences of her research published in 2025. “And consequently, in planning biomarker studies, cancer screenings or clinical trials, inclusivity is important.”
D’Souza-Schorey found that a population of cells in breast tissues send cues that prompt behavioral changes that could promote breast cancer growth. A certain cell type, PZP, is enriched in breast tissue of African American women, but in women of European ancestry, such high PZP levels are only seen adjacent to tumors. This suggested they may play a role in breast cancer progression. D’Souza-Schorey found that PZP cells conferred invasive potential to breast epithelial cells through various mechanisms, noting that these cells could be a treatment target in women with aggressive tumors.
Voting opened on March 2, and the first round will continue through Sunday, March 8. Register for the site first, then head to the bracket to vote.
Originally published by at science.nd.edu on March 02, 2026.