CHAF1A's role in neuroblastoma development using a new mouse model
Official title: A NOVEL GEMM TO ELUCIDATE THE ROLE OF CHAF1A IN NEUROBLASTOMA DEVELOPMENT
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11301336 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH grant will study how the CHAF1A gene drives neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, using a novel mouse model and advanced techniques.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | June 11, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $160,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R03NS140939-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11301336 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are pediatric NB patients or individuals whose disease biology involves CHAF1A-related pathways and differentiation defects relevant to neuroblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
If CHAF1A-driven mechanisms are not central to a patient’s tumor biology, they may see no direct benefit from this basic research.
What this research studies
This project aims to uncover how the CHAF1A gene contributes to the start and growth of neuroblastoma by creating a genetically engineered mouse model and applying cutting-edge methods like ATAC-seq, lipidomics, and single-cell RNA sequencing. By examining tumor initiation, progression, and the tumor immune environment, researchers hope to reveal how CHAF1A affects differentiation of neural crest cells and interacts with MYCN-driven cancer pathways. The work focuses on fundamental biology with potential implications for future therapies in pediatric patients. The study is conducted at Baylor College of Medicine with a plan to translate discoveries into a deeper understanding of NB biology.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Gaining insights into CHAF1A-driven neuroblastoma could inform new strategies for early detection and targeted therapies for young patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has linked CHAF1A to blocking neural crest differentiation and NB development; this project advances those findings with a novel mouse model and multi-omics.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barbieri, Eveline — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Barbieri, Eveline
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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.