UBR5's role in aggressive nerve-sheath (MPNST) tumors
Regulation of MPNST pathogenesis by Chromosome 8 gene, UBR5
Researchers are seeing if the chromosome 8 gene UBR5 helps drive aggressive nerve-sheath cancers that can occur in people with NF1.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256741 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you or a loved one has NF1 and a plexiform neurofibroma or MPNST, this project focuses on a gene called UBR5 on chromosome 8 that may make these tumors more aggressive. Investigators use tumor samples from patients to create patient-derived xenografts (PDX), which are human tumors grown in mice, and then reduce UBR5 levels in those models to observe tumor behavior. They will determine when gains of chromosome 8 occur during tumor progression and measure how UBR5 affects tumor cell growth, survival, and movement. The work combines analysis of patient tumor material with laboratory experiments to show whether UBR5 could become a target for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with NF1 who have plexiform neurofibromas or a diagnosed MPNST and who are willing to provide tumor tissue and clinical information for research.
Not a fit: Patients without NF1, those whose tumors are not MPNST, or individuals unable or unwilling to provide tissue would not be expected to receive direct benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify UBR5 as a new drug target and lead to treatments that slow MPNST growth and reduce recurrence.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory studies and patient-derived tumor models have shown that lowering UBR5 can slow MPNST cell growth and spread, but this approach remains at the preclinical stage and has not yet been tested in human trials.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hirbe, Angela Christine — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Hirbe, Angela Christine
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.