Fausto J. Rodriguez, M.D., Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine Progress Update: One-year funding, 9/2013-8/2014 The main goal of this proposal is to compare changes in the abundance of a group of molecules that have been recently discovered and named “microRNAs” in pilocytic astrocytoma (PA), the most frequent low grade glioma in children. MicroRNAs are …
Rajeev Vibhaker, M.D., Ph.D. University of Colorado Progress Update: 9/2012-8/2014 We have completed the initial set of studies to examine the role of MPS1 in controlling medulloblastoma cell division and validated a therapeutic target. We demonstrated that MPS1 is critical for cell division of tumor cells and both genetic and chemi-cal inhibition of MPS1. Several …
Claudia Petritsch, Ph.D., The Regents of the University of California Funding duration 2012-2014, Program Summary Studies have shown that a mutant activated form of BRAF, BRAFV600E, and concomitant homozygous deletion of CDKN2A occur in a subset of pediatric malignant astrocytomas. Importantly, BRAFV600E transforms CDKN2A-deficient neural progenitor cells and BRAF kinase is involved in signaling pathways …
Jezabel Rodriguez-Blanco, Ph.D. Postdoctorate Associate, Molecular Oncology The DeWitt Daughtry Family Department of Surgery Progress Update: 9/2013-8/2015 Medulloblastoma (MB) is a highly malignant brain tumor affecting predominantly children. MB arises from granular progenitors that after cerebella development do not respond to cellular cues to stop functioning, resulting in them becoming cancer stem/progenitor cells (CSC) that …
PI: Joseph Scafidi, DO – Children’s Research Institute, Washington, DC Grant duration, Aug. 2011 – Sept. 2013, review is update on progress The brain of children is subject to rapid growth and development. White matter is the part of the brain that is vital for communication and processing of information. White matter comprises nearly half …
Pamela L. Wolters, Ph.D., Neurobehavioral Program, National Cancer Institute Program duration 2012-2013, one-year Significant cognitive late effects are associated with cranial radiation therapy. Although treatment regimens have been modified in attempts to reduce neurotoxicity, limited research has focused on therapeutic interventions targeted toward ameliorating or preventing these impairments. One potential novel intervention for cognitive rehabilitation …
Sarah Rush, University of Colorado 2012, Summary research update Pediatric pilocytic and pilomyxoid astrocytomas are slow growing and amenable to surgical cure if located in a favorable place. However, a significant number of children (> 55 %) will eventually suffer from tumor progression. Although this tumor is unlikely to become a more aggressive astrocytoma, repeated …
Fausto J. Rodriguez M.D., Johns Hopkins School of Medicine Report from funding, 2011-2012. This study has been published in two journals. Pilocytic astrocytomas (PA) are low grade neoplasms that represent the most frequent gliomas in children and your adults. Most of these tumors have an excellent outcome after gross total resection. However a subset progress …
Sarah Rush, M.D., University of Denver Two-year funding, 2010-2011 Juvenile pilocytic astrocytomas (JPA) are common tumors of childhood. Despite the high incidence, the biological factors that influence outcomes for these children remain poorly understood. Based on our preliminary data, IMP3 represents a highly specific prognostic marker for JPA allowing for improved prediction of outcome. The aim …