POTSDAM -- The Keep A Breast Foundation has awarded a $10,000 research grant to Clarkson University Chemistry and Biomolecular Science Professor Costel C. Darie to study a newly identified hormone and to contribute to the prevention and treatment of breast cancer.

Darie and his team are studying the newly identified hormone, made by the pituitary gland and released into the blood. The molecule is called Tumor Differentiation Factor (TDF) and may prevent breast cancer.

The team studies TDF as a naturally-occurring differentiation hormone that may allow cancerous or precancerous cells to transform into non-cancerous cells. Darie says that TDF seems to increase in the blood during pregnancy, for reasons that are not understood.

They are investigating how TDF might act on its cellular target, known as the TDF receptor, and how it prevents cancer. They believe that this receptor may become a prime target for treating breast cancer.

“Keep A Breast wants to encourage others to help us spread the word about breast cancer prevention and early detection through cutting-edge research,” says co-founder and CEO Shaney jo Darden. “Through our research grant program, Keep A Breast identified individual leaders and organizations that are taking a stand to make the world better and healthier for future generations and we are excited to be help fund Dr. Darie’s research to prevent cancer.”

Breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women in the United States and the second leading cause of cancer death in women in the United States. One of eight U.S. women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime and three to four percent will die of the disease. About half of women diagnosed with and treated for breast cancer will experience recurrence.

The Keep A Breast Foundation’s (KAB) Mission is to help eradicate breast cancer by exposing young people to methods of prevention, early detection and support. Through art events, educational programs and fundraising efforts, they seek to increase breast cancer awareness among young people so they are better equipped to make choices and develop habits that will benefit their long-term health and well-being. For more information, go to www.keep-a-breast.org .