Understanding ZFTA-RELA Brain Cancer in Children
Transcriptional Regulation in ZFTA-RELA Ependymoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL · NIH-11141793
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.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MEMPHIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141793 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Ependymoma is a serious brain cancer that affects children, often caused by a specific gene change called ZFTA-RELA. For over 30 years, treatment options for this cancer haven't changed much. Our goal is to learn exactly how this ZFTA-RELA gene change makes the cancer grow and spread. By understanding these basic mechanisms, we hope to uncover new targets for medicines that could stop the cancer. We are using advanced models to map out the cancer's growth process, which could lead to better treatments for children.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not currently recruiting patients but is focused on understanding the specific genetic drivers of ZFTA-RELA ependymoma, which could benefit children diagnosed with this condition in the future.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain cancer or those without the ZFTA-RELA gene fusion may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets for drugs, leading to more effective and less toxic treatments for children with ZFTA-RELA ependymoma.
How similar studies have performed: This project uses a newly developed mouse model, suggesting a novel approach to dissecting the mechanisms of ZFTA-RELA ependymoma.
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.
Conditions: Brain Cancer, Cancers