Investigating a gene's role in a type of brain cancer in children
Official title: Role of SMARCD3/BAF60C in medulloblastoma
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10943041 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called SMARCD3 affects the growth and spread of a type of brain tumor called medulloblastoma in children, with the hope of finding new ways to help kids who are facing tough-to-treat cases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $644,967 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS138348-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10943041 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with high-risk medulloblastoma, particularly those with Group 3 or Group 4 subtypes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low-risk medulloblastoma or those diagnosed with other types of brain tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on medulloblastoma, a fast-growing brain tumor in children, particularly examining the role of the SMARCD3 gene in tumor growth and metastasis. The study aims to understand how this gene contributes to the aggressive nature of certain subtypes of medulloblastoma, especially those that are high-risk and resistant to standard treatments. By exploring the molecular mechanisms behind tumor spread, the research seeks to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve outcomes for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for children with high-risk medulloblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting molecular mechanisms in aggressive cancers, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Baoli — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Hu, Baoli
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Glial origins and signaling in childhood brain cancer (medulloblastoma)
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-
Next generation GPC2 CARs to treat pediatric medulloblastoma
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-
Targeting medulloblastoma with multispecific T-cell engagers
A pediatric brain cancer treatment study tests a new multi-targeted T-cell engager designed to reach brain tumors and help the immune system kill cancer cells.
-
Efflux-aware brain barrier model to guide pediatric medulloblastoma drug discovery
A study using a pediatric brain cancer model to test how radiation-activated digoxin-like compounds could safely reach brain tumors in children.
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Overcoming medulloblastoma resistance in kids using in vivo perturb-seq and preclinical therapies
A patient-focused study aiming to find new, less toxic ways to treat pediatric medulloblastoma by using advanced genetic screening to identify effective drug targets in preclinical models.
-
Dysregulation of a key gene complex and its role in Group 4 medulloblastoma
A study explores how disruption of a core gene complex in brain development may drive Group 4 medulloblastoma and seeks to understand new ways to help affected children.
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.