Investigating how a cancer gene affects cholesterol production in neuroblastoma
Linking nucleotide and amino acid metabolism to cholesterol synthesis by MYCN
This study is looking at how a gene called MYCN helps neuroblastoma, a serious childhood cancer, grow by affecting how the body makes cholesterol, and the goal is to find new ways to treat this cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10815875 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how the MYCN oncogene influences metabolic pathways that are crucial for the growth of neuroblastoma, a severe childhood cancer. By examining how MYCN activates the mevalonate pathway, which is responsible for cholesterol synthesis, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms that allow cancer cells to thrive. The research employs a combination of cellular and molecular techniques to explore how MYCN alters the regulation of enzymes involved in this metabolic process. Insights gained from this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating neuroblastoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, particularly those with genomic amplification of the MYCN gene.
Not a fit: Patients with neuroblastoma who do not have MYCN amplification or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that target cholesterol metabolism in neuroblastoma, potentially improving outcomes for affected children.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting metabolic pathways in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield significant insights and advancements.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ding, Han-Fei — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Ding, Han-Fei
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.