Investigating how epigenetic changes affect kidney development and cancer in children
Epigenetic mechanism in mammalian kidney development and tumorigenesis
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 ID | NIH-11133410 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children diagnosed with Wilms tumor or those at risk for kidney cancer due to genetic predispositions.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wan, Liling — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Wan, Liling
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.