How the SWI/SNF complex helps prevent cancer
Role of the SWI/SNF complex in tumor suppression
This project looks at how loss of the SWI/SNF protein complex causes cancers and seeks weak points that could lead to new treatments for people with tumors driven by these changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11312626 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study cancers that have mutations in the SWI/SNF (BAF) chromatin-remodeling complex, focusing especially on rhabdoid tumors. They use cancer cell lines and large-scale CRISPR gene‑editing screens to find genes that become essential when SWI/SNF function is lost. By comparing many rhabdoid tumor lines to hundreds of other cancer lines, the team aims to pinpoint specific vulnerabilities created by SWI/SNF loss. The goal is to turn those laboratory findings into possible therapy targets for patients in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for related future trials or sample donation are people with tumors known to have SWI/SNF (BAF) subunit mutations, particularly children with rhabdoid tumors.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers do not involve SWI/SNF/SMARCB1 alterations or who cannot provide tumor samples are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new, more specific treatment targets for cancers driven by SWI/SNF (including SMARCB1) mutations.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research established SMARCB1 as a tumor suppressor and CRISPR screens have revealed some cancer dependencies, but translating these findings into approved patient therapies remains limited so far.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Charles — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Charles
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.