Using a new mouse model to develop better treatments for NUT carcinoma
Genetically engineered mouse model to improve therapy of NUT carcinoma
This project builds a new mouse model of NUT carcinoma to help discover treatments that could help people with this aggressive cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11190874 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating the first immunocompetent genetically engineered mouse that mimics human NUT carcinoma so they can study how the tumor grows and interacts with the immune system. The team will use the model to explore how the BRD4-NUT fusion drives cancer through large chromatin 'megadomains' and pro-growth genes like MYC, SOX2, and TP63. They will test targeted approaches, including BET bromodomain inhibitors and other candidate therapies, to find combinations or targets that more effectively stop tumor growth. Findings will guide which treatments are most promising to move into human trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People of any age diagnosed with NUT carcinoma, especially those interested in contributing samples or joining future clinical trials, are the patient group most connected to this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors are not driven by BRD4-NUT fusions or who cannot access future trials are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets and candidate therapies that speed development of effective treatments and improve survival for people with NUT carcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Early clinical use of BET bromodomain inhibitors has produced tumor responses in some NUT carcinoma patients but has not yet achieved durable cures, so this project builds on those partial successes.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: French, Christopher a — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: French, Christopher a
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.