Finding ways to target a specific protein in a childhood cancer
Chemical Approaches to Modulate PAX3-FOXO1 in Fusion-Positive Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma
This study is looking for new ways to help kids with a tough type of cancer called fusion-positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma by finding special chemicals that can block a protein that helps the cancer grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10987609 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on fusion-positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a severe childhood cancer driven by the PAX3-FOXO1 protein. The team aims to develop chemical agents that can inhibit this protein's function, which is crucial for the cancer's progression. By utilizing advanced techniques in chemistry and biology, they will explore various methods to disrupt the activity of PAX3-FOXO1 and its interactions with other proteins. This coordinated approach involves a collaboration of experts in high-throughput screening and medicinal chemistry to identify potential therapeutic compounds.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with fusion-positive alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of rhabdomyosarcoma or those without the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve outcomes for children with this aggressive cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While targeting fusion proteins in cancers is a challenging area, there have been promising advancements in similar approaches, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koehler, Angela Nicole — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Koehler, Angela Nicole
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.