Investigating the role of a specific protein in aggressive brain tumors in children
Official title: The role of Olig2 in the tumorigenesis, progression and metastasis in MYC-amplified medulloblastoma
Funded at Children's Research Institute · NIH-10668356 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a common type of brain tumor in kids called medulloblastoma, especially the more aggressive kind, to see how a protein called Olig2 helps the tumor grow, and it hopes to find a new treatment that could be safer and more effective for children with this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Children's Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2019 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $398,055 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA241192-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10668356 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with MYC-amplified medulloblastoma who are undergoing treatment or have recently completed treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-MYC-amplified medulloblastoma or other types of brain tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on medulloblastoma, the most common malignant brain tumor in children, particularly the aggressive subtype associated with MYC amplification. The study aims to understand how the Olig2 protein contributes to tumor growth and spread using advanced mouse models and patient-derived xenografts. By exploring the potential of targeting Olig2 with a small molecule inhibitor, the research seeks to develop more effective and less toxic treatment options for affected patients. The ultimate goal is to improve survival rates and reduce long-term side effects from current therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and less harmful treatments for children with aggressive medulloblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting specific proteins in cancer treatment, suggesting that this approach could be effective, although the specific targeting of Olig2 in this context is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Children's Research Institute
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pei, Yanxin — Children's Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Pei, Yanxin
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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.