How changes in the ARID1A gene shape tumor immune responses
The Role of the Tumor Suppressor ARID1A in R loop Homeostasis and Tumor Immunity
Researchers are looking at how ARID1A gene changes affect cancer cells and the immune system to help people with ARID1A-mutant tumors get better immunotherapy options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Salk Institute for Biological Studies NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251643 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team will study how loss or mutation of the ARID1A gene leads to DNA–RNA R loop stress and changes in how tumor cells display antigens. They will combine laboratory experiments in cell and animal models with analysis of human tumor samples and clinical data. By tracing how ARID1A impacts antigen presentation and immune signaling, they aim to explain why some ARID1A-mutant tumors respond well to immune checkpoint therapies. Findings will guide possible combination treatments or biomarker use for patients whose cancers carry ARID1A changes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with tumors that carry ARID1A mutations who might donate tumor samples or be considered for trials targeting ARID1A-related immune pathways.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have ARID1A alterations or whose cancers are driven by unrelated mechanisms may not directly benefit from the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify why ARID1A-mutant tumors respond to immunotherapy and point to new combination treatments or biomarkers to improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Retrospective clinical analyses have found ARID1A mutations enriched among checkpoint therapy responders, but prospective and mechanistic confirmation is still limited.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, UNITED STATES
- Salk Institute for Biological Studies — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hargreaves, Diana Clare — Salk Institute for Biological Studies
- Study coordinator: Hargreaves, Diana Clare
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.