Investigating how epigenetic changes affect kidney development and cancer in children
Official title: Epigenetic mechanism in mammalian kidney development and tumorigenesis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11133410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in a specific protein called ENL might affect kidney development and lead to Wilms tumor, a common type of kidney cancer in kids, to help us understand how to better prevent and treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $541,647 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA293572-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11133410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children diagnosed with Wilms tumor or those at risk for kidney cancer due to genetic predispositions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with kidney cancers unrelated to the epigenetic mechanisms being studied or those without a diagnosis of Wilms tumor may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of epigenetic mechanisms in kidney development and the formation of Wilms tumor, the most common kidney cancer in children. By studying the ENL protein, which is frequently mutated in Wilms tumors, the project aims to uncover how these mutations disrupt normal kidney development and contribute to cancer. The researchers will employ innovative techniques to manipulate the function of ENL and observe the resulting effects on cellular differentiation and tumorigenesis. This work could provide insights into the biological processes that lead to kidney cancer in children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating Wilms tumor and improving outcomes for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of epigenetic factors in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wan, Liling — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wan, Liling
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Comparing universal and guideline-directed genetic testing for young adults with cancer
This study is looking at whether a broader genetic test can help young adults with cancer find inherited risks that regular tests might miss, so they can get better treatment and care tailored just for them.
-
Better, searchable data for human pain biology
A data integration center will standardize, combine, and share molecular and cellular data from human pain research to help scientists understand how pain works and to accelerate discoveries.
-
Understanding how sweat glands form and work to help burn and skin injury patients
A study at the University of Pennsylvania looks at how sweat glands develop and function, with the goal of informing treatments for people who suffer traumatic skin injuries.
-
Cardiovascular risk planning and reduction for men with prostate cancer
A program to better predict and reduce heart disease risk in men treated for prostate cancer, especially older patients.
-
Understanding how a special airway cell helps protect and repair breathing passages
A researcher is studying a newly found airway cell called the hillock to see how it protects the airways and helps repair them after injury, with the aim of helping people with asthma, COPD, or bronchiectasis.
-
Defining TMJ cartilage progenitors and their regulatory niche for TMJ regeneration
Researchers are studying the cells that could help repair the jaw’s cartilage in TMJ osteoarthritis to lay the groundwork for regenerative therapies.
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.