Investigating a fusion protein linked to a rare childhood cancer
Official title: Pilot Studies of PAX3-FOXO1 Fusions Proteins in Alveolar Rhabdomyosarcoma
Funded at Pennsylvania State University, the · NIH-10726763 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special protein linked to a rare childhood cancer called alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, with the goal of finding better treatments by understanding how this protein works.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State University, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (University Park, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 14, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $156,136 |
| NIH project number | 1R03TR004687-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10726763 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma or those with genetic predispositions to this condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of rhabdomyosarcoma or unrelated cancers may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein, which is associated with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of cancer primarily affecting children. The project aims to develop biochemical tools and assays to study the structure and function of this protein, which could lead to new drug development. By utilizing advanced techniques like nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the researchers hope to uncover how this fusion protein operates at a molecular level, ultimately paving the way for targeted therapies. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to more effective treatments for this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies for patients with alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma.
How similar studies have gone: While research on fusion proteins is ongoing, this specific investigation into PAX3-FOXO1 is relatively novel and aims to fill a significant gap in understanding this rare disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State University, the
University Park, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Showalter, Scott a — Pennsylvania State University, the
- Study coordinator: Showalter, Scott a
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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.