Chromatin regulators of stemness and therapy resistance in rhabdomyosarcoma
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-11321227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand why rhabdomyosarcoma tumors resist treatment and how stem-like cells contribute to relapse, with findings that could guide better therapies for affected children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $232,527 |
| NIH project number | 5R00CA278696-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11321227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with rhabdomyosarcoma whose tumors can be sampled for analysis or who could participate in future related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with tumors that cannot be biopsied or samples unavailable for analysis may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how chromatin regulators influence stem-like cells in rhabdomyosarcoma and why these tumors survive standard treatments. Using patient-derived samples, single-cell profiling, and barcode tracing, it aims to map cell states and tumor evolution under therapy. The goal is to identify key molecular mechanisms that drive therapy resistance and relapse so future treatments can target them more effectively.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies that reduce relapse and improve survival for children with rhabdomyosarcoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous single-cell analyses have revealed distinct RMS cell states and potential tumor-propagating cell populations, supporting the relevance of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wei, Yun — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Wei, Yun
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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.