How a fusion protein drives fibrolamellar liver cancer
The role of DNAJB1-PKAc-β-catenin axis in fibrolamellar HCC
This project looks at how a specific fusion protein and beta-catenin cause fibrolamellar liver cancer in children, adolescents, and young adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11296884 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine tumor tissue and cells from people with fibrolamellar carcinoma alongside lab-grown tumor spheroids and mouse models to trace what the DNAJB1-PKAc fusion does in cells. They will track phosphorylation of beta-catenin and measure which genes and special chromosomal regions (CEGRs/ALCDs) get switched on. The team will study how these changes alter tumor metabolism and collagen production, and will test whether blocking parts of this pathway changes tumor cell behavior. Findings aim to reveal molecular steps that could be targeted by future treatments or diagnostics.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, especially children, adolescents, and young adults willing to provide tumor samples or participate in sample-based studies, are most relevant.
Not a fit: Individuals without fibrolamellar HCC or those with unrelated liver diseases are unlikely to directly benefit from this FLC-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for new treatments or tests that improve care and outcomes for people with fibrolamellar liver cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown the DNAJB1-PKAc fusion is present in patient tumors and can drive FLC in mice, but translating that knowledge into targeted therapies is still in early stages.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Timchenko, Nikolai a. — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Timchenko, Nikolai 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.