Targeting O-mannosylation in pediatric brain tumors driven by BRAF fusion
Official title: Protein O' Mannosylation as a therapeutic vulnerability in KIAA1549-BRAF-driven pediatric low-grade glioma
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11366494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric brain tumor project is exploring whether blocking a specific sugar-modifying process called POMT-mediated O-mannosylation can stop tumor growth in tumors driven by KIAA1549-BRAF fusions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | June 5, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $721,653 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA303137-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11366494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with pediatric low-grade gliomas driven by BRAF fusions or related molecular features, including pediatric patients and those in relevant age ranges studied in the model.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors are not driven by BRAF fusions or do not depend on POMT-mediated O-mannosylation may not benefit.
What this research studies
Pediatric low-grade gliomas are common in children and often driven by BRAF fusions like KIAA1549-BRAF. The study tests whether inhibiting the POMT enzyme complex, which adds specific sugars to proteins, can prevent the fusion oncoprotein from promoting tumor growth. Researchers will use mouse models to assess the therapeutic potential and examine possible side effects across different developmental stages. If successful, this work could uncover a new, druggable target for treating these pediatric tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new therapies that slow or stop tumor growth in children with BRAF-fusion gliomas.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that POMT-related pathways are important for glioma-driving fusion proteins, but clinical translation remains early.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bandopadhayay, Pratiti — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Bandopadhayay, Pratiti
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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.