How alternative RNA splicing and gene fusions drive certain brain and other cancers
The role and mechanism of alternative RNA splice variants and gene fusions as drivers of cancer
Researchers are using advanced mouse models to find how specific RNA splice variants and gene fusions cause and might be targeted in brain and other tumors.
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-11211292 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team uses genetically engineered mouse models that closely mimic human brain tumors to study how RNA splicing changes and gene fusions lead to cancer. They focus on a TrkB splice variant to learn how it triggers tumor formation and whether it could serve as a diagnostic marker or drug target. They also study YAP1 gene fusions that drive rare tumors such as ependymoma, porocarcinoma, and aggressive meningioma using models that carry those fusions. Finally, they test how these fusion-driven tumors respond to treatments and search for FDA-approved drugs that might be repurposed against them.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with gliomas or rare tumors (ependymoma, porocarcinoma, aggressive meningioma) whose tumors harbor the specific TrkB splice variant or YAP1 gene fusions would be the most relevant candidates for related trials or sample donations.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack these specific splice variants or gene fusions, or those with unrelated cancer types, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new diagnostic markers or targeted treatments for tumors driven by these RNA changes, including repurposed approved drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies indicate that splice variants and gene fusions can drive tumors and be targeted in mice, but translating those findings into proven human treatments remains largely unproven.
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.