Epigenetic Therapy for Spinal Ependymoma

Background

Spinal ependymomas are a rare form of cancer. Due to this, there is limited knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying their pathogens, nor are there many effective treatment options. The only primary therapies available right now include invasive surgeries and radiations, which are often unsuccessful. Even when they are curative, the therapies have shown to leave long term effects on the spinal cord, leading to more surgery. Also, recurrence is common and may result from stem cell-like tumor cells with the capability for long-term self-renewal. Studies have shown that HMGA and HOX genes are co-regulated and overexpressed in spinal ependymomas from pediatric and young adult patients.

Project Goal

Sara will be working with Dr. Resar to develop new therapies for patients with spinal ependymoma. The HMGA and HOX genes encode regulatory proteins that activate expression of stem cell genes by conferring an open, euchromatic DNA state. In previous studies, experimental tumor models have shown that both genes block differentiation, suggesting that they help to promote tumor development. Because of this emerging evidence, the team suggests that epigenetic therapy may be a promising solution for unresponsive spinal ependymoma tumors.