Investigating how certain proteins affect the spread of pediatric cancer cells
Deep phenotyping of fusion oncoprotein-driven pediatric cancer metastasis with single-cell proteomics
This study is looking at how certain proteins in Ewing sarcoma, a type of cancer that affects kids, change how the cancer cells act and spread, with the hope of finding new ways to help the immune system fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rice University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10687394 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how fusion oncoproteins influence the behavior of metastatic pediatric cancer cells, particularly Ewing sarcoma. By using advanced single-cell proteomics techniques, the study aims to analyze the cytoskeletal structures and protein expressions in these cancer cells. The researchers will develop innovative methods to visualize and quantify these cellular characteristics, which may reveal how these cancer cells evade the immune system. This could lead to new insights into the mechanisms of cancer metastasis and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma or other fusion oncoprotein-driven cancers.
Not a fit: Patients with non-fusion oncoprotein-driven cancers or those who are not pediatric may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for pediatric cancers that are currently difficult to manage, particularly those that metastasize.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using single-cell proteomics is gaining traction, this specific application to pediatric cancer metastasis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Rice University — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vlassakis, Julea — Rice University
- Study coordinator: Vlassakis, Julea
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.