Blocking glutamine uptake in MYCN‑amplified neuroblastoma
Targeting Glutamine Uptake via ASCT2 Inhibition in MYCN-amplified Neuroblastomas
This project aims to stop growth of high-risk neuroblastoma with MYCN amplification by blocking a key glutamine transporter.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251303 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use patient-derived tumor tissue grown as 3-D organoids and patient-derived orthotopic xenografts in mice to study tumors with MYCN amplification. They will turn off the ASCT2 glutamine transporter using CRISPR-Cas9 and test a drug called V-9302 that blocks ASCT2 to see how tumors respond. Stable-isotope metabolomics will trace how cancer cells rewire their metabolism when ASCT2 is blocked. An unbiased CRISPR dropout screen will look for other genes that become essential when ASCT2 is inhibited, revealing possible combination targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The work is most relevant to children with neuroblastoma whose tumors show MYCN amplification or to patients who can donate tumor tissue for research models.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have MYCN amplification or whose cancer does not rely on ASCT2-mediated glutamine uptake are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that slow or stop growth and spread of MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma by targeting glutamine uptake.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown ASCT2 supports MYC-driven cancers and early lab tests of ASCT2 inhibitors are promising, but clinical benefit in patients has not yet been demonstrated.
Where this research is happening
Lexington, United States
- University of Kentucky — Lexington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rellinger, Eric James — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Rellinger, Eric James
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.