Genetically engineered mouse model to study and treat high-risk pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma
Official title: Development of a Clinically Relevant Genetically Engineered Mouse Model for Human High-Risk Rhabdomyosarcoma
Funded at University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11592251 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project aims to create mouse models that mimic high-risk pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma and test therapies that target the NOTCH1 pathway to slow or stop tumor growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Oklahoma City, United States) |
| Project start | December 11, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $182,006 |
| NIH project number | 7R21CA286286-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11592251 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children and young patients with rhabdomyosarcoma or high-risk RMS signatures may benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without RMS or without tumors driven by NOTCH1 pathways may not directly benefit from these specific therapies.
What this research studies
Researchers will develop and characterize mouse models that closely resemble human rhabdomyosarcoma in children, focusing on cancers driven by NOTCH1 pathway activation. They will test drugs that specifically reduce NOTCH activity and look for combinations that better stop tumor spread. The study uses advanced genetic engineering in mice to mirror human tumor biology and to evaluate potential treatments before human trials. This work could help identify new therapy options for kids with aggressive RMS and improve prognoses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could lead to new targeted therapies for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma and provide a preclinical platform to screen effective drug combinations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous GEMM studies have advanced understanding of cancer drivers, and this work aims to translate NOTCH1 targeting into RMS-specific models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
Oklahoma City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tao, Jianning — University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr
- Study coordinator: Tao, Jianning
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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.