Understanding how chromatin control affects cancer development
Official title: Cancer-based discovery of novel mechanisms of chromatin control
Funded at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital · NIH-11053578 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain proteins that help control our genes might cause cancer when they don't work right, especially in a tough childhood cancer called malignant rhabdoid tumor, with the hope of finding better treatments for kids and others affected by cancer.
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 | April 6, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $416,325 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA273455-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11053578 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include children and young adults diagnosed with cancers linked to SWI/SNF mutations, particularly malignant rhabdoid tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers not associated with chromatin regulatory mutations may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of chromatin regulatory proteins, particularly the SWI/SNF complexes, in cancer development. By analyzing mutations in these proteins, which are found in over 20% of all cancers, the research aims to uncover how their disruption leads to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. The study focuses on a specific aggressive childhood cancer, malignant rhabdoid tumor, to explore the mechanisms of oncogenesis and to develop new therapies based on these findings. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments for various cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel therapies that specifically target cancers associated with chromatin mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding chromatin mutations in cancer, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Charles — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Charles
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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.