Enteric glial cell reprogramming and MENIN loss in dpNETs
Official title: Enteric Glial Cell Reprogramming by Loss of MENIN in Duodenopancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11447747 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand how losing a gene called MENIN in gut-supporting glial cells might turn them into neuroendocrine tumor cells in people with MEN1.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $581,288 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA304024-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447747 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is at the basic-science stage; no patient participation is described in the grant.
✕Less likely to help
No direct patient participation is described in this grant.
What this research studies
People with MEN1 develop tumors in the gut and pituitary; this project looks at how certain glial cells in the gut could transform into tumor cells when MENIN is missing. Researchers will use a genetic model to remove MENIN from glial cells and observe changes in cell identity and epigenetic marks, focusing on how these changes might drive neuroendocrine tumor traits. The work aims to map the epigenetic processes that make enteric glial cells more plastic and responsive to signaling pathways that promote tumor development. Findings could clarify the origins of dpNETs and point toward targeted strategies to prevent or treat these tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: A better understanding of how dpNETs form could lead to new prevention or treatment approaches for MEN1-associated tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests glial cells can contribute to neuroendocrine tumor programs when key genes are altered; this study extends those findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Merchant, Juanita L. — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Merchant, Juanita L.
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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.