Personalized stem-cell models for nervous system cancers
Developing Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell Precision Oncology Models
Researchers are building patient-derived stem-cell models to help find better treatments for nervous system tumors affecting people with NF1 and related RASopathy conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11224503 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses donated patient blood or skin cells to make induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) that carry each person's genetic changes. Scientists edit or tag these hiPSCs and grow them into brain and nerve cell types to see how NF1 and RAS/MEK mutations start and drive tumors. The team compares different patient-derived mutations, studies how mutant neurons influence tumor behavior, and searches for molecular targets that could guide personalized therapies. They also maintain a hiPSC repository to support future drug testing and risk-prediction work for children and adults.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) or related RASopathy syndromes, and individuals with central or peripheral nervous system tumors who can provide blood or skin samples.
Not a fit: People without NF1 or RASopathy-related nervous system tumors, or those seeking an immediate clinical therapy, are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could improve personalized risk predictions and identify targeted treatment options for people with NF1-related and other nervous system cancers.
How similar studies have performed: hiPSC-based disease models have successfully revealed mechanisms and guided preclinical drug testing in other conditions, but applying them specifically to tailor therapies for NF1 tumors is still an emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anastasaki, Corina — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Anastasaki, Corina
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 below.