Epitranscriptomic Crosstalk in Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma
Official title: Epitranscriptomic crosstalk in rhabdomyosarcoma
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-11438954 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric cancer study that looks at how chemical marks on messenger RNA may influence the behavior of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and point toward newer treatment strategies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 21, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $395,973 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA317184-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11438954 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are pediatric RMS patients whose tumors harbor alveolar features and fusion genes PAX3-FOXO1 or PAX7-FOXO1, suitable for sample-derived studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without alveolar RMS or without the relevant fusion genes may not directly benefit from these RNA-focused findings.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a dangerous pediatric cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma and explores how RNA modifications affect the cancer’s growth. By using RMS cell lines, the research will examine whether methylation changes on fusion gene mRNA alter stability and protein production. The goal is to identify RNA-level vulnerabilities that could become targets for new therapies in the future.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal RNA marks that drive tumor growth and suggest novel avenues for treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary findings in RMS suggest RNA methylation can influence protein levels, supporting potential applicability of this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kikyo, Nobuaki — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Kikyo, Nobuaki
Related research
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Targeting the PAX3-FOXO1 protein in a deadly childhood cancer
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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.