How inherited cancer risk changes tumors, their surroundings, and treatment
Impact of cancer predisposition on oncogenic process, microenvironment, and treatment
This project compares tumors from people with inherited cancer risk genes (like BRCA1/2) to tumors with the same genes changed later in life to learn how those differences affect cancer cells, nearby cells, and responses to therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251297 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze human tumor samples using single-cell RNA sequencing, ATAC-seq, and protein measurements to map how inherited (germline) variants shape cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. They will directly compare tumors where a cancer gene was present from birth with tumors where the same gene was altered as a somatic mutation, looking for differences in gene activity, chromatin accessibility, and immune or stromal cell behavior. The team will use patient-derived tumor models and linked clinical data to connect these molecular patterns to tumor growth and treatment responses. The goal is to identify whether inherited variants change treatment sensitivity or the role of non-cancer cells in ways that could matter for patient care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with tumors and known germline cancer-predisposing variants (for example BRCA1/2, VHL, BAP1) or patients whose tumors have matching somatic mutations who can provide tumor samples or clinical data.
Not a fit: People without tumors or without relevant germline or somatic changes in the genes under study, or those unable to provide tissue or clinical information, are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help tailor cancer treatment based on whether a tumor's key driver came from inherited risk or arose later, improving therapy choices.
How similar studies have performed: Single-cell and molecular profiling have successfully described tumor and microenvironment cell states, but directly comparing inherited versus somatic driver effects on treatment response is a newer application.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Li — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Ding, Li
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.