How p53 and Notch genes drive childhood bone cancer (osteosarcoma)
Probing the mechanisms of dependency underlying skeletal genetic pathways of p53 and Notch in the pathogenesis of osteosarcoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · SANFORD RESEARCH/USD · NIH-11309653
This project looks at how changes in the p53 and Notch genes in bone-forming cells contribute to osteosarcoma in children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | SANFORD RESEARCH/USD (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SIOUX FALLS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11309653 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team uses genetically engineered mouse models that closely mimic human childhood osteosarcoma and studies human tumor cells to trace how p53- and Notch-related pathways affect tumor behavior. They will turn genes on or off in these models to find which genes tumors need to grow, survive, or spread. Promising findings will be checked in both mouse and human samples to confirm relevance to people. The aim is to reveal tumor vulnerabilities that could become targets for new therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children and adolescents with osteosarcoma or people who can provide tumor samples (including those with hereditary cancer syndromes like Li-Fraumeni) would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People with non-bone cancers or benign bone conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for therapies that slow or stop tumor growth and metastasis in children with osteosarcoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have shown p53 and Rb mutations are central to osteosarcoma and mouse models can mirror human disease, but targeting p53- and Notch-dependent pathways for therapy remains largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
SIOUX FALLS, UNITED STATES
- SANFORD RESEARCH/USD — SIOUX FALLS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: TAO, JIANNING — SANFORD RESEARCH/USD
- Study coordinator: TAO, JIANNING
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.