Blocking a cancer-linked noncoding RNA in aggressive childhood medulloblastoma
Regulation, function, and the therapeutic potential of an oncogenic long noncoding RNA lnc-HLX-2-7 in group 3 medulloblastomas
Researchers are testing whether blocking a cancer-linked molecule called lnc-HLX-2-7 can slow or shrink aggressive group 3 medulloblastoma in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144371 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team discovered that lnc-HLX-2-7 is highly active in group 3 medulloblastoma and helps tumors grow. They use machine learning on human tumor RNA data, remove the RNA in tumor cells with CRISPR, and measure effects in 3D cell cultures and in mice. They are also testing antisense oligonucleotides coated with cerium oxide nanoparticles to deliver therapy and reduce tumor growth. The project explores how lnc-HLX-2-7 alters tumor metabolism via NAD+ and NAMPT to identify new treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with group 3 medulloblastoma, especially younger patients with high-risk or recurrent disease, would be the likely candidates for future therapies developed from this research.
Not a fit: Patients with other medulloblastoma subtypes or unrelated cancers are unlikely to benefit from this specific lnc-HLX-2-7–targeted approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new targeted treatments that shrink tumors and improve outcomes for children with group 3 medulloblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies targeting noncoding RNAs and using antisense oligonucleotides have shown promise, but this specific target and nanoparticle delivery approach have not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Perera, Ranjan Joseph — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Perera, Ranjan Joseph
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.