Targeting metabolic needs in childhood brain tumors with specific genetic changes
Targeting metabolic dependencies in ZFTA-RELA fusion childhood ependymomas
This study is looking at a type of brain cancer in kids called ependymomas, especially those with a specific genetic change, to find better treatments by understanding how these tumors use certain nutrients to grow, and it will test new therapies in the lab and with animals to see if they can help.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10907468 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on childhood ependymomas, a type of brain cancer that primarily affects children under 11 years old. It aims to develop targeted therapies for tumors that have a specific genetic alteration known as the ZFTA-RELA fusion, which occurs in a significant number of cases. By understanding how these tumors rely on certain nutrients, particularly glutamine, for their growth and survival, the research seeks to create precision medicine approaches that could improve treatment outcomes. The study will utilize both laboratory and animal models to test new therapeutic strategies that could potentially disrupt the metabolic pathways these tumors depend on.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with ependymomas that exhibit the ZFTA-RELA fusion.
Not a fit: Patients with ependymomas that do not have the ZFTA-RELA fusion or those with other types of brain tumors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for childhood ependymomas, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for affected children.
How similar studies have performed: While there has been significant progress in understanding other pediatric brain tumors, this specific approach targeting metabolic dependencies in ZFTA-RELA fusion ependymomas is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venneti, Sriram — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Venneti, Sriram
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.