Investigating the role of XAF1 in cancer development and cell death

XAF1 IN P53 SIGNALING, APOPTOSIS AND TUMOR SUPPRESSION

NIH-funded research St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11030732

This study is looking at how two gene changes might work together in kids from Brazil who are at risk for a type of cancer called adrenocortical carcinoma, to help us understand why some kids with these changes get cancer while others don’t, which could lead to better ways to prevent and treat the disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Memphis, United States)
Project IDNIH-11030732 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how a specific mutation in the XAF1 gene interacts with another mutation in the p53 gene, particularly in children from Brazil who are at risk for adrenocortical carcinoma. The study will utilize advanced genetic models to explore the role of XAF1 in promoting cell death (apoptosis) and preventing tumor growth. By examining these genetic interactions, the research aims to uncover why some carriers of these mutations develop cancer while others do not, potentially leading to new insights into cancer prevention and treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are children from southern Brazil who are carriers of the TP53-R337H mutation or have a family history of adrenocortical carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients who do not carry the TP53-R337H mutation or are not at risk for adrenocortical carcinoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved strategies for identifying and managing cancer risk in children with specific genetic mutations.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of genetic mutations in cancer, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.

Where this research is happening

Memphis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.