How MYCN gene changes make neuroblastoma hide from the immune system
MYCN drives a suppressive tumor immune microenvironment in neuroblastoma.
Researchers are looking at whether MYCN-driven changes in tumor fats and T cell metabolism explain why high-risk neuroblastoma in children resists immune attacks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11314587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project studies how the MYCN oncogene changes tumor and T cell metabolism to create a fatty, immune-suppressing tumor environment in high-risk neuroblastoma. Scientists will work with cancer cells and immune T cells, measuring lipid production and metabolic pathways in the lab and in model systems to trace how MYCN causes T cell dysfunction. The team will map the molecular steps of MYCN-driven de novo lipogenesis and its effects on immune cells. Findings are intended to point to ways immunotherapies could be improved for children with MYCN-amplified tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with high-risk neuroblastoma that is MYCN-amplified, or families willing to provide tumor samples or consider future trials driven by these findings, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not have MYCN amplification or who have other unrelated cancers are unlikely to see direct benefit from this specific work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to boost immune responses and improve outcomes for children with MYCN-amplified high-risk neuroblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show MYCN tumors are immunosuppressive and metabolic targeting has shown promise preclinically, but directly linking MYCN-driven lipid production to T cell failure is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barbieri, Eveline — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Barbieri, Eveline
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.