How MYCN changes tumor metabolism and weakens immune responses in neuroblastoma
Official title: Rewired Metabolism and Immunosuppression in MYCN-driven Neuroblastoma
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11167716 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work tests whether fixing a tumor nutrient shortfall (cysteine) can help immune cells better attack MYCN-driven neuroblastoma in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $418,553 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA283369-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167716 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with high-risk or relapsed neuroblastoma whose tumors show MYCN amplification would be the most likely candidates for related future trials or therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not have MYCN amplification or whose cancers do not rely on cysteine-related pathways may not benefit from these approaches.
What this research studies
This research looks at how MYCN-driven neuroblastoma tumors reprogram metabolism to create a cysteine-poor tumor environment that weakens T cells. The team uses genetically engineered and syngeneic mouse models plus transcriptomics, metabolomics, and immune profiling to map which cells consume cysteine and how that limits immune responses. In lab models, giving back cysteine restores T-cell activation and function, and investigators are exploring ways to block tumor cysteine use or support immune cells so immunotherapies work better. The aim is to translate these preclinical findings into approaches that could boost immune-based treatments for high-risk, MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could restore immune cell function in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma and make immunotherapies more effective for high-risk children.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown that cysteine levels affect T-cell function, but applying cysteine-targeting strategies to treat MYCN-driven neuroblastoma is largely at the preclinical stage and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barbieri, Eveline — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Barbieri, Eveline
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Rewired metabolism and immunosuppression in MYCN-driven neuroblastoma
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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.