Creating a mouse model to study and treat high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma in children
Official title: Development of a Clinically Relevant Genetically Engineered Mouse Model for Human High-Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma
Funded at Sanford Research/usd · NIH-11044502 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating special mice that have a type of cancer similar to what some kids get, called rhabdomyosarcoma, to help scientists learn more about what causes it and how it grows, with the hope of finding better treatments for children facing this tough illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sanford Research/usd NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Sioux Falls, United States) |
| Project start | December 11, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $194,013 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA286286-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044502 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing genetically engineered mouse models that mimic human high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma, a common and aggressive cancer in children. By studying these models, researchers aim to understand the genetic factors that drive this cancer and how it progresses. The project will specifically investigate the NOTCH1 pathway, which is linked to poorer survival outcomes in rhabdomyosarcoma, to identify potential therapeutic targets. The ultimate goal is to evaluate new treatment strategies that could improve outcomes for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective therapies for children with high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using genetically engineered mouse models has shown promise in understanding and treating various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective for rhabdomyosarcoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Sanford Research/usd
Sioux Falls, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tao, Jianning — Sanford Research/usd
- Study coordinator: Tao, Jianning
Related research
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A research project aims to create mouse models that mimic high-risk pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma and test therapies that target the NOTCH1 pathway to slow or stop tumor growth.
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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.