Genes that protect against cancer in mice
Cancer Resistant Mice
Researchers are searching for inherited gene changes in mice that prevent tumors from growing, to find new approaches that might help people with cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11233287 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have cancer, this project looks for inherited gene changes in mice that stop tumors from growing. Researchers create random germline mutations in inbred mice using a chemical called ENU, breed the animals for several generations, and then implant common mouse tumor cells to see which mice resist cancer. Resistant animals are studied to pinpoint the protective gene changes and how they alter blood vessels, tumor nutrition, or immune responses. Those discoveries could point to new drug targets or immune-based therapies that might later be tested in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with cancers that are resistant to current therapies or who are interested in future gene- or immune-based treatment trials would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People needing immediate clinical care or whose cancers operate through unrelated mechanisms are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early-stage mouse research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new genetic targets or immune strategies that lead to better cancer treatments for patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous mouse genetic screens have found mutations that alter tumor growth, but translating those findings into human therapies remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Dallas, United States
- Ut Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beutler, Bruce a — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Beutler, Bruce a
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.