Understanding how certain viral genes affect brain tumors
Deciphering the Role of Aberrant Endogenous Retroviral Expression in Onco-histone Driven Glioma
This study is looking at how a protein called PRC2, which often doesn't work properly in brain cancers like gliomas, affects gene activity and tumor growth, with the hope of finding new treatment options that could help patients.
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 ID | NIH-10997385 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein complex, PRC2, which is often disrupted in brain cancers, particularly gliomas. By studying glioma models with a mutation that impairs PRC2 function, the research aims to uncover how this dysfunction leads to changes in gene expression and contributes to tumor growth. The team is particularly focused on the activation of human endogenous retroviral sequences and their potential role in cancer biology. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with high-grade gliomas, particularly those with the H3K27M mutation.
Not a fit: Patients with brain tumors that do not involve the H3K27M mutation or other related mechanisms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments for brain tumors by targeting the mechanisms of tumor growth and survival.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting HERV expression in gliomas is relatively novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding the role of viral elements in cancer biology.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- 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
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.