Understanding ATRX in neuroblastoma: new protein functions and treatment clues
Official title: Elucidating novel functions of ATRX in-frame fusion proteins in neuroblastoma
Funded at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai · NIH-11441037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short, patient-friendly look at a study exploring how altered ATRX proteins in neuroblastoma might influence disease behavior and response to therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $431,970 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA317126-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children with neuroblastoma who have ATRX-related genetic alterations or in-frame fusion forms may benefit from future therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Results may not directly impact patients who do not have ATRX alterations or whose tumors are driven by other pathways.
What this research studies
This project focuses on neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer, and investigates how abnormal ATRX protein forms may affect how the cancer grows and responds to treatment. Researchers will study how ATRX changes disrupt chromatin regulation and may drive the indolent or resistant behavior seen in some tumors. The study uses advanced genetic methods to model these ATRX alterations and observe their effects on cell biology, aiming to identify potential new angles for therapies. Participation may involve lab studies using patient-derived samples and data to connect molecular findings with what happens in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets or pathways for therapies that are tailored to neuroblastoma patients with ATRX-related changes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research links ATRX/DAXX/H3.3 axis disruptions to chromatin changes in cancer, with some evidence guiding future targeted approaches.
Where this research is happening
-
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bernstein, Emily — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Bernstein, Emily
Related research
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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.