Developing Human Cerebellar Organoid Models of Group 4 Medulloblastoma to Identify the Cell of Origin and Mechanisms that Support Oncogenesis

Dr. Yanxin Pei, M.D. – Children's Research Institute (CNMC), Washington, D.C.

Our research will study the mysteries behind Group 4 Medulloblastoma (MB), a form of brain cancer commonly found in children. MB tumor cells originate from a specific set of cells in the developing brain that rely on interactions with other early normal brain cells to fuel their growth. To unravel the mysteries of Group 4 MB, we aim to 1) pinpoint the exact source of the tumor cells using miniature brain models known as organoids and 2) investigate which normal brain cells play a role in supporting the growth of these tumor cells. We will create a scenario where the tumor and normal brain cells interact and observe the outcomes closely. By successfully addressing these two aspects, we expect to gain crucial insights into the nature of Group 4 MB, potentially discovering novel avenues for therapeutic interventions. Our efforts are ultimately geared towards enhancing the prognosis and treatment strategies for children affected by Group 4 MB.