Understanding and developing new medicines for neuroblastoma
Mechanisms and small-molecule targeting of SWI/SNF activity in neuroblastoma
This project aims to find new ways to treat neuroblastoma, an aggressive cancer in children, by focusing on a specific protein that helps cancer cells grow.
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 ID | NIH-11105939 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Neuroblastoma is a serious cancer affecting children, and current treatments can have harsh side effects with limited success for high-risk patients. This work explores a new approach by looking at a protein called SMARCA4 (part of the SWI/SNF complex) that cancer cells rely on to grow. Researchers are using new tools to understand how blocking this protein affects neuroblastoma cells. The goal is to discover how stopping this protein's activity can lead to cancer cell death and identify new drug combinations that could be more effective.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on understanding and treating neuroblastoma, an aggressive cancer primarily affecting infants and young children.
Not a fit: Patients without neuroblastoma or those whose cancer does not involve the specific protein being studied may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the development of new, more effective, and potentially less toxic treatments for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: This project uses new tools to explore mechanisms that are currently poorly understood, suggesting a novel approach to targeting SWI/SNF activity in neuroblastoma.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hodges, Hamilton Courtney — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hodges, Hamilton Courtney
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.