How developing cells change DNA packaging in Ewing sarcoma
Developmental control of chromatin states in cancer
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11296832
This work looks at how bone tumor and developing stem cells change the way DNA is packaged to find new molecular targets for children and young adults with Ewing sarcoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11296832 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare Ewing sarcoma tumor cells and developing mesenchymal stem cells to find proteins, RNAs, and histone modifications that let the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein reprogram chromatin. They will use lab-grown cancer and stem cell models along with molecular tools such as CRISPR-dCas9 repression to map key regulators. The team will look for features shared across both models that could point to vulnerabilities in the tumor. This is lab-based work focused on molecular mechanisms rather than testing treatments directly in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and young adults diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, or people willing to donate tumor tissue or samples for research, would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without Ewing sarcoma or those seeking immediate changes to their current treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal new targets or biomarkers that help develop more precise therapies for Ewing sarcoma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown that the EWS-FLI1 fusion can rewire chromatin and that targeting chromatin regulators affects tumor cells, but turning these insights into new patient treatments is still an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DAVIS, IAN J — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: DAVIS, IAN J
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.
Conditions: Bone Cancer