Dysregulation of a key gene complex and its role in Group 4 medulloblastoma
Official title: Dysregulation of the Core Binding Factor Complex Inhibits Differentiation and Drives Group 4 Medulloblastoma
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11421475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study explores how disruption of a core gene complex in brain development may drive Group 4 medulloblastoma and seeks to understand new ways to help affected children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2011 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $706,017 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA159859-16 |
| Project ID | NIH-11421475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Group 4 medulloblastoma or related pediatric brain tumor biology may benefit from advances arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other brain tumor subtypes or without access to novel therapies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at a common pediatric brain tumor called Group 4 medulloblastoma and how changes in the Core Binding Factor (CBF) complex influence cell differentiation and tumor formation. Researchers will examine how progenitor cells in the developing brain decide to become certain neuron types, and how mutations in the CBFA complex disrupt this process. The work uses human-relevant tumor biology approaches, including analyses of tumor material and related cell models, to map molecular mechanisms and identify potential targets for therapy. By linking developmental biology to cancer biology, the study aims to reveal why Group 4 MB arises and how to interrupt its progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding the molecular drivers could lead to targeted therapies that spare healthy tissue and improve survival and quality of life for children with Group 4 medulloblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has begun to map subgroups and molecular drivers in MB, but Group 4 remains less understood; this study builds on emerging evidence with a novel focus on CBFA complex disruption.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wechsler-Reya, Robert J. — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Wechsler-Reya, Robert J.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Overcoming medulloblastoma resistance in kids using in vivo perturb-seq and preclinical therapies
A patient-focused study aiming to find new, less toxic ways to treat pediatric medulloblastoma by using advanced genetic screening to identify effective drug targets in preclinical models.
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Aimed at developing brain-penetrant small molecules to treat medulloblastoma in children by reactivating a tumor-suppressing gene.
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.