Investigating how TAK1 signaling affects Rhabdomyosarcoma growth
Official title: TAK1 signaling in Rhabdomyosarcoma tumorigenesis and growth
Funded at University of Houston · NIH-11062176 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TAK1 affects the growth of Rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of cancer that mostly affects kids and young adults, to see if blocking this protein can help the cancer cells become more like normal cells and possibly shrink the tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Houston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $658,223 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA294365-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062176 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and young adults diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those who do not have Rhabdomyosarcoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a type of cancer that primarily affects muscle tissue in children and young adults. The study aims to understand the role of a protein called TAK1 in the growth and development of RMS tumors. Researchers will explore how inhibiting TAK1 can promote the differentiation of cancer cells and potentially reduce tumor formation. By using both genetic and pharmacological methods, the research will assess the effects of TAK1 inhibition in laboratory models and animal studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating Rhabdomyosarcoma, improving outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of TAK1 in Rhabdomyosarcoma has not been extensively studied, similar approaches targeting signaling pathways have shown promise in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Houston
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Ashok — University of Houston
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Ashok
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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.