How NF1-linked nerve tumors begin and change
Developmental Origin, Injury and Epigenomic Regulation of NF1-Associated Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors
['FUNDING_R01'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11061866
Researchers are looking at how NF1 causes benign plexiform neurofibromas to form and later change into dangerous malignant nerve tumors, to find better ways to prevent or treat them for people with NF1.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11061866 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project examines when and where NF1 gene loss in nerve-supporting Schwann cells leads to plexiform neurofibromas (PNFs) and how nerve injury and epigenomic changes drive those tumors toward malignancy. The team will trace Schwann cell lineages during nerve development, model nerve injury that can trigger tumor formation, and compare genetic and epigenomic patterns between benign PNFs and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Work combines animal and laboratory models with analysis of human tumor samples to identify molecular events that mark progression. The goal is to pinpoint signals that could be targeted to stop benign tumors from becoming cancerous.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with neurofibromatosis type 1, especially those who have plexiform neurofibromas or are monitored for nerve sheath tumor progression.
Not a fit: People without NF1 or those with unrelated cancers are unlikely to benefit directly from this project’s findings in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets for therapies or biomarkers to detect and prevent malignant transformation in people with NF1.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and lab studies support a role for nerve injury and NF1 loss in PNF formation, but using epigenomic profiling to trace malignant transformation remains relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
DALLAS, UNITED STATES
- UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER — DALLAS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZHU, YUAN — UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: ZHU, YUAN
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: Cancer Suppressor Genes