Understanding why certain brain tumors develop in children with NF2 mutations
Official title: INVESTIGATING THE MOLECULAR MECHANISMS OF DIFFERENTIATION FAILURE IN NF2 MUTANT NEUROEPITHELIAL STEM CELLS
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11033368 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at why certain brain cells in kids and young adults with NF2 mutations don’t develop correctly, which can cause spinal tumors, and by understanding this better, researchers hope to find new ways to stop these tumors from growing early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | February 4, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $190,485 |
| NIH project number | 1K08NS140551-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11033368 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children and young adults with NF2 mutations who are at risk for developing spinal ependymoma tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without NF2 mutations or those who do not have a predisposition to spinal ependymoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind the failure of neuroepithelial stem cells to differentiate properly in children and young adults with NF2 mutations, which can lead to spinal ependymoma tumors. By studying these cells, researchers aim to identify the cellular hierarchy and the signaling pathways that are disrupted in these patients. The approach includes using a unique stem cell model to observe how these cells behave in both laboratory and animal settings. The ultimate goal is to find ways to halt tumor progression at an early stage, potentially leading to new treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for brain and spinal cord tumors in children and young adults with NF2 mutations.
How similar studies have gone: While this research explores novel mechanisms, similar studies have shown promise in understanding tumor biology and developing targeted therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tailor, Jignesh — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Tailor, Jignesh
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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.