How X chromosome changes may drive different cancer patterns in men and women
Probing the role of somatic X-chromosome alterations in shaping cancer sex differences
This project looks at whether changes on the X chromosome make cancers act differently in men and women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11172608 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine tumor samples and large cancer genome datasets to find changes on the X chromosome that appear in male and female cancers. They will begin by studying translocation renal cell carcinoma and then search across other tumor types for patterns tied to X-chromosome inactivation and XIST expression. In the lab they will use CRISPR-based screens and cell models to test which X-linked changes help tumors grow or block growth. Combining genomic analysis with functional experiments aims to link specific X-chromosome alterations to cancer behavior in both sexes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with translocation renal cell carcinoma or other cancers whose tumors show unusual X-chromosome changes could be candidates to provide samples or be considered for future related trials, including both men and women.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are driven by unrelated mechanisms or who need immediate clinical therapies are unlikely to gain direct short-term benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could explain some sex differences in cancer and point to new targets for treatments tailored by sex.
How similar studies have performed: CRISPR screening and cancer genomics methods have successfully found cancer genes before, but applying them specifically to somatic X-chromosome alterations and XIST expression is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Viswanathan, Srinivas Raghavan — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Viswanathan, Srinivas Raghavan
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.