Extra 17q chromosome and aggressive neuroblastoma
Define the role of chromosome 17q gain in neuroblastoma malignancy
Researchers are looking at how an extra copy of chromosome 17q makes neuroblastoma tumors grow faster and resist chemotherapy in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Hospital of Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11252342 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses human stem cells that are guided to become the nerve-related cells where neuroblastoma starts, then introduces an extra copy of chromosome 17q to see what happens. The modified human cells are studied in the lab and implanted into mice so researchers can watch tumor growth and response to treatment. Early data show 17q gain alone does not make tumors, but together with the MYCN oncogene it speeds tumor formation and may drive chemo resistance. The work is lab-based using human-derived cells and animal models, so it does not enroll patients now but aims to point to future treatment strategies or trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with neuroblastoma—especially tumors tested and found to have 17q gain or MYCN amplification—would be the most relevant group to benefit from this research.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have neuroblastoma or whose tumors lack 17q gain are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could identify why 17q+ neuroblastoma is more aggressive and suggest targets to improve therapy for high-risk patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has long linked 17q gain to worse outcomes in neuroblastoma, but using human stem-cell-derived models to demonstrate a functional role and interaction with MYCN is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Children's Hospital of Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, Miller — Children's Hospital of Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Huang, Miller
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 below.