Understanding how a specific gene fusion drives a type of childhood brain cancer.
Official title: Transcriptional Regulation in ZFTA-RELA Ependymoma
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-10892870 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene change might help cause ependymoma, a type of brain cancer in kids, and aims to find new ways to treat it by understanding how this change affects tumor growth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $591,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA284455-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892870 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with ependymoma or those at risk due to genetic factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those not affected by ependymoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a gene fusion between ZFTA and RELA in the development of ependymoma, a serious form of pediatric brain cancer. By using a specialized mouse model, the researchers aim to uncover how this genetic alteration affects the transcriptional networks that contribute to tumor growth and progression. The study focuses on identifying key transcription factors involved in this process, which could lead to new treatment strategies for affected children. Patients may benefit from insights gained into the mechanisms of their cancer, potentially leading to more effective therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for children with ependymoma by targeting the underlying genetic mechanisms of the disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting genetic alterations in other cancers, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights for ependymoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mack, Stephen C — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Mack, Stephen C
Related research
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Condensates and ZFTA-driven Ependymoma in kids
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ZFTA-RELA Ependymoma: uncovering what drives this pediatric brain cancer
A study at St. Jude aims to understand how the ZFTA-RELA gene fusion pushes pediatric brain tumors to grow, with the goal of finding points to intervene and slow or stop cancer progression.
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Understanding ZFTA-RELA Brain Cancer in Children
This project aims to understand how a specific genetic change drives an aggressive type of children's brain cancer called ependymoma, hoping to find new ways to treat it.
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Investigating how EZHIP interacts with PRC2 in a specific brain tumor in young children
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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.