How alternative RNA splicing and gene fusions can drive brain tumors and other cancers
The role and mechanism of alternative RNA splice variants and gene fusions as drivers of cancer
This research looks at abnormal RNA splicing and gene fusions to understand how they cause brain tumors and to find new targets for treatments for adults with these cancers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11169919 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use genetically engineered mouse models that closely mimic human gliomas and other fusion-driven tumors to study how specific RNA splice variants and gene fusions cause cancer. The team will focus on an embryonic splice variant of TrkB that can trigger tumors when turned on in adult tissues and on YAP1 gene fusions that drive rare tumors such as certain ependymomas, porocarcinomas, and aggressive meningiomas. They will dissect the molecular mechanisms by which these variants and fusions promote tumor growth and test how these mouse models respond to existing FDA-approved drugs as potential therapies. Results will be used to identify diagnostic markers and therapeutic strategies to guide future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with gliomas or rare brain tumors known or suspected to be driven by TrkB splice variants or YAP1 gene fusions would be the most relevant candidates for follow-up clinical trials informed by this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers lack these specific splice variants or gene fusions, or who have unrelated tumor types, may not receive direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new diagnostic markers and suggest repurposed drugs or targets to treat fusion-driven brain tumors and related cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies using similar genetically engineered mouse models from this lab and others have helped prioritize therapies for clinical testing, but targeted treatments for these specific fusion-driven tumors remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Holland, Eric C. — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Holland, Eric C.
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.