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-11114091 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a gene called MYCN affects the survival of neuroblastoma cancer cells by changing their iron and antioxidant levels, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this cancer in children by targeting a special type of cell death.
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) | $125,229 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA276207-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11114091 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 11 years old may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how MYCN, a gene often amplified in neuroblastoma, influences the cancer cells' ability to survive by altering their iron and antioxidant levels. The study focuses on a newly discovered form of cell death called ferroptosis, which could be targeted to treat neuroblastoma more effectively. By understanding the mechanisms behind MYCN's effects on cysteine and selenocysteine production, researchers aim to identify new therapeutic strategies that could enhance treatment responses in affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target and kill neuroblastoma cells, improving survival rates for young patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting ferroptosis in cancer is relatively novel, there is growing interest and preliminary evidence suggesting potential success in similar contexts.
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.