Exploit immune changes from U1 mutations in Sonic Hedgehog medulloblastoma
Official title: Project 3: Exploit Immune Consequences of U1 Mutations in Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) Medulloblastoma
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11404909 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at children and adults with a type of brain cancer called Sonic Hedgehog medulloblastoma, this project looks at a specific genetic mutation to see if immune-based therapies could work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2008 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $366,305 |
| NIH project number | 5P50CA127001-18 |
| Project ID | NIH-11404909 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with Sonic Hedgehog subtype medulloblastoma, especially those with TP53 mutations and/or Shh-MB characteristics.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Shh MB or without the U1 mutation-related epitopes may not benefit from the findings.
What this research studies
Medulloblastoma is the most common malignant brain tumor in children, and certain subtypes with TP53 mutations have very poor outcomes. The project focuses on a U1 snRNA mutation found in many Shh MB tumors and how it creates new tumor-specific targets for the immune system. By linking these unique epitopes to potential immune checkpoint inhibitor responses, the work seeks to identify new treatment strategies. This is a translational effort that could guide future clinical approaches for patients with this cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could lead to more effective, less toxic immune-based therapies for patients with Shh MB.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that hypermutant tumors may respond to immune therapies, but this specific U1-mutant Shh MB approach is innovative and requires clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Majd, Nazanin Koohbanani — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Majd, Nazanin Koohbanani
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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.