Investigating the role of a protein in a specific type of brain tumor.
Official title: Role of FACT in ZFTA-RelA fusion driven ependymoma
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11058459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tough type of brain tumor called ependymomas, especially in patients with a specific gene change, to see how a protein called FACT interacts with it, with the goal of finding new ways to treat these tumors better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $691,965 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA280203-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11058459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ZFTA-RELA fusion positive ependymomas, particularly those under 21 years of age.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those without the ZFTA-RELA fusion may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on ependymomas, a type of brain tumor that is particularly challenging to treat, especially in patients with the ZFTA-RELA fusion variant. The study aims to understand how the FACT protein interacts with the ZFTA-RELA fusion protein, which is linked to aggressive tumor behavior. By exploring this interaction, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic targets that could improve treatment outcomes for patients. The approach involves advanced molecular techniques to analyze tumor samples and assess the potential for new anti-cancer therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective treatments for patients with ZFTA-RELA fusion ependymomas, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been challenges in treating ependymomas, this research builds on recent molecular insights, suggesting a novel approach that has not yet been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venere, Monica — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Venere, Monica
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This project aims to understand how a specific genetic change drives an aggressive type of children's brain cancer called ependymoma, hoping to find new ways to treat it.
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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.