MYCN's role in making neuroblastoma cells vulnerable to a specific type of cell death.
Official title: MYCN drives a ferroptotic vulnerability in neuroblastoma
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10916529 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called MYCN influences neuroblastoma, a serious cancer in kids, by changing how cancer cells manage iron and antioxidants, with the hope of finding new ways to make current treatments work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $625,334 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276207-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10916529 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with neuroblastoma that does not have MYCN amplification or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how the MYCN gene affects neuroblastoma, a severe pediatric cancer, by altering the way cancer cells handle iron and antioxidants. The study focuses on a newly discovered form of cell death called ferroptosis, which may be triggered in MYCN-amplified neuroblastoma cells. By understanding the mechanisms behind this vulnerability, researchers aim to identify new treatment strategies that could enhance the effectiveness of existing therapies. The approach involves both genetic and pharmaceutical methods to target specific pathways that lead to cancer cell death.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for children with neuroblastoma, potentially improving survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the concept of ferroptosis is relatively new, preliminary studies have shown promise in targeting this pathway in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in neuroblastoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Faber, Anthony Charles — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Faber, Anthony Charles
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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.