Investigating a protein's role in certain aggressive childhood cancers
Official title: VCP in ASPSCR1::TFE3-driven oncogenic transcription reprogramming
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11097285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific protein linked to aggressive cancers, like alveolar soft part sarcoma and some kidney cancers in kids, works with another protein to influence how genes behave and how DNA is shaped in cancer cells, which could help develop new treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $638,869 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA293084-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young patients diagnosed with alveolar soft part sarcoma or Xp11-rearranged pediatric renal cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancers or those who do not have the specific genetic alterations related to this research may not benefit.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how a specific fusion protein, ASPSCR1::TFE3, contributes to the development of aggressive cancers like alveolar soft part sarcoma and certain pediatric renal cell carcinomas. By studying the interaction between this protein and another protein called VCP, researchers aim to uncover how these proteins affect gene expression and the 3D structure of DNA in cancer cells. The approach involves using advanced techniques like ChIP-seq to analyze how these proteins work together at the genetic level, which could lead to new therapeutic strategies. Patients may benefit from insights gained about the mechanisms driving their cancers, potentially leading to targeted treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies for aggressive childhood cancers, improving survival rates and treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting the VCP and ASPSCR1::TFE3 interaction is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding cancer mechanisms and developing targeted therapies.
Where this research is happening
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University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Kevin Bruce — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Jones, Kevin Bruce
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.