Targeting SWI/SNF activity to fight pediatric neuroblastoma
Official title: Mechanisms and small-molecule targeting of SWI/SNF activity in neuroblastoma
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11358430 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new research grant is exploring how turning off a cell machinery (SWI/SNF with BRG1) could kill neuroblastoma cancer cells in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | July 18, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $471,649 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272769-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358430 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children with neuroblastoma where SWI/SNF/BRG1 pathways are relevant or where future trials could test new therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on SWI/SNF activity or who cannot tolerate experimental therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how SWI/SNF complexes control DNA access, gene activity, and cell survival in neuroblastoma cells. It aims to map precise cell-cycle effects and replication stress caused by inhibiting SMARCA4 (BRG1). The team will also test combinations with other drugs to find tumor-specific benefits. If successful, the work could point to new, targeted therapies for high-risk pediatric neuroblastoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with neuroblastoma could gain new treatment options that more directly attack cancer cells while potentially reducing side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest BRG1 dependency in NB and that inhibiting SMARCA4 affects NB cell viability, supporting a potential path forward.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hodges, Hamilton Courtney — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hodges, Hamilton Courtney
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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.