Shared cancer targets created by abnormal RNA splicing across many tumors
Pancancer discovery and exploration of shared splicing neoantigens
['FUNDING_R21'] · CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR · NIH-11291288
This project looks for common tumor-specific proteins made when cancer cells splice their RNA abnormally, with the goal of helping adults with different types of cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11291288 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use advanced computer models and long-read RNA sequencing to find neoantigens produced by abnormal RNA splicing that are shared across multiple cancers. They will apply an AI-based pipeline (SNAF) to predict which splicing events create peptides presented on tumor cell surfaces. Promising targets will be tested in the lab to confirm they are presented by patient-like tumor samples and could trigger immune responses. The team aims to nominate broadly applicable targets that could be used for vaccines or engineered cell therapies in adults with solid or blood cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with solid tumors or hematologic malignancies whose tumors express splicing-derived neoantigens would be the eventual candidates for therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not express the identified splicing neoantigens or who are not eligible for immunotherapy approaches may not benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal shared tumor-specific targets that enable vaccines or cell therapies applicable to many cancer patients.
How similar studies have performed: Early studies and the team's prior work have shown splicing-derived neoantigens can be predicted and validated, but broadly shared neoantigens across many cancers remain an emerging, experimental approach.
Where this research is happening
CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES
- CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR — CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SALOMONIS, NATHAN G. — CINCINNATI CHILDRENS HOSP MED CTR
- Study coordinator: SALOMONIS, NATHAN G.
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.