Understanding how MYCN-driven neuroblastoma affects metabolism and immune response
Official title: Rewired Metabolism and Immunosuppression in MYCN-driven Neuroblastoma
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-10978992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific gene called MYCN affects high-risk neuroblastoma and how it changes the way the body processes certain nutrients, which can make it harder for the immune system to fight the cancer; by using mouse models, the researchers hope to find ways to boost the immune response by adjusting levels of a nutrient called cysteine, which could lead to better treatments for patients.
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 start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $431,968 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA283369-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10978992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low-risk neuroblastoma or those diagnosed outside the age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the MYCN oncogene in high-risk neuroblastoma, particularly how it alters metabolism and creates an immune-suppressive environment. By analyzing mouse models, the study aims to identify vulnerabilities in cysteine metabolism that could be targeted to enhance immune responses against the tumor. The researchers will explore how restoring cysteine levels can improve T-cell activation and function, potentially leading to more effective immunotherapy strategies for patients. The approach combines advanced techniques like transcriptomics and metabolomics to gain insights into tumor biology and immune interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve survival rates for children with high-risk neuroblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barbieri, Eveline — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Barbieri, Eveline
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Rewired metabolism and immunosuppression in MYCN-driven neuroblastoma
A researcher team will study how the MYCN gene changes metabolism and immune responses in high-risk neuroblastoma to find strategies that could help the disease respond to future therapies.
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How MYCN changes tumor metabolism and weakens immune responses in neuroblastoma
This work tests whether fixing a tumor nutrient shortfall (cysteine) can help immune cells better attack MYCN-driven neuroblastoma in children.
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Vascular signals from brain blood vessels influence immune-suppressing cells in glioblastoma
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AHR-driven immunosuppression in glioblastoma and new therapeutic targets
A personalized cancer study aims to understand why glioblastoma suppresses the immune system and to find ways to boost anti-tumor immunity in patients with this brain tumor.
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Computational and functional screens to find actionable neuroblastoma drivers
Researchers are using advanced computer analysis and lab tests to find new genes and drug targets in neuroblastoma, aiming to improve outcomes for children.
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.