University of Michigan

University of Michigan

3003 S. State Street

Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1274

United States

HOX Genes As Developmental Regulators Of Sarcomagenesis

Ewing Sarcoma

Background

Selective Epigenetic Regulation of Notch1 in T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

Background

More children die from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) than from any other cancer. NOTCH1 was found to be the most frequent cancer-causing gene in T-ALL. However, in clinical trials anti-NOTCH drugs had too much toxicity and even promoted cancers. The reason for these side effects is that Notch is an important protein that keeps normal tissues healthy. How can we knock out Notch in cancer, but preserve Notch in normal cells? We believe that the answer may be two proteins called Zmiz1 and Ets1.

Studies of Invadopodia Formation in Ewing sarcoma

Ewing Sarcoma

Background

Engager T Cells: A Novel Immunotherapeutic for AML

Leukemia, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)

Background

Pediatric acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of blood cancer that is in need of new therapies, as children suffering from high risk disease have little chance of cure. Aggressive treatment with traditional chemotherapy drugs can lead to complications and severe toxicities. Targeted therapy may have fewer side effects, and immune therapies in particular are a new class of treatments that offers great promise.

Mechanisms of LGR5 Regulation and Function in Ewing sarcoma Metastasis

Ewing Sarcoma

Development of Targeted DNA-damaging Therapy for ATRX-deficient Pediatric Glioblastoma

Brain Tumors, Glioma

Background

Brain tumors are the leading cause of death among childhood cancers. Despite recent data showing differences in mutated genes in childhood and adult glioblastoma, the treatment is the same for both patient populations. The ATRX gene is mutated primarily in adolescent patients with glioblastoma, a devastating and highly malignant brain tumor. Treatments for human cancer are becoming increasingly personalized, and ATRX loss allows for a promising target for individualized treatment for patients with glioblastoma.

Mechanisms of Oncogenic Transformation by TLX1/HOX11

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)

More children die from acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) than any other cancer. About one-third of patients develop serious side effects (such as another cancer) as a consequence of treatment. We need to better define the molecular origins of ALL to develop new medicines that are more effective and less toxic. Many ALLs arise from T-cells. About one-third of patients with T-cell ALL carry a cancer gene called TLX1. Mice in which scientists have artificially removed the TLX1 gene are healthy. Thus, TLX1 is an attractive drug target. Blocking TLX1 should spare normal healthy tissue.

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer