Investigating a key protein pathway in a rare liver cancer affecting young people
Official title: The role of DNAJB1-PKAc-β-catenin axis in fibrolamellar HCC
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11054574 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how a special protein linked to a rare liver cancer called Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma affects young people, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $637,299 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278834-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11054574 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children, adolescents, and young adults diagnosed with Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of liver cancer or those with a history of liver disorders such as fibrosis or cirrhosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma (FLC), a rare liver cancer that primarily affects children, adolescents, and young adults. The study examines how a specific fusion protein, DNAJB1-PKAc, contributes to the development of FLC by activating cancer-related genes through a pathway involving beta-catenin. Researchers will utilize both patient samples and animal models to explore this pathway and its implications for cancer progression. The goal is to identify potential therapeutic targets that could lead to better treatment options for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target the mechanisms driving Fibrolamellar Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the mechanisms of FLC, but this specific approach focusing on the DNAJB1-PKAc-beta-catenin axis is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Timchenko, Nikolai a. — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Timchenko, Nikolai a.
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.