Research Grants

2004 SFA Research Grant Recipients

Sarcoma Cell Line Resource with Molecular and Kinase Annotation

• Jonathan Fletcher, M.D. Brigham and Women’s Hospital; Boston, MA
• Recipient of a $25,000 Reid Brecher Memorial Research Award
• Abstract: The aim of this application is to create a sarcoma cell line resource that will be readily available to academic and industry laboratories. We will establish a molecular cytogenetic profile for each of the 30 sarcoma cell lines, and will validate that the lines are faithful biologically to the sarcomas from which they were originally established. Further, we will use a proteomic phosphokinase screening method to determine whether the cell lines contain potential therapeutic targets. These data will be integrated with cDNA array profiles from Stanford University, and the entire panel of cell lines will then be deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) for public distribution. The proposed studies represent a substantial first step in providing a comprehensive panel of sarcoma cell lines to the research community.
• Final Report: Click to view PDF

Molecular Classification of Sarcoma Cell Lines

• Matt van de Rijn, M.D., Ph.D. Stanford University; Stanford, CA
• Recipient of a $25,000 Elizabeth Shriver Memorial Research Award
• Abstract: Currently, a lack of cell lines restrains sarcoma research. This proposal accompanies one by Dr. Jonathan Fletcher, who generated 30 sarcoma cell lines. We have extensive experience with gene array studies. We will use arrays to determine in these 30 lines levels of mRNA expression and degrees of gene amplification (or loss) for all human genes. As a result we will find novel diagnostic markers and new therapeutic targets, as we have previously done on tumor samples. These fully characterized cell lines will function as model systems for novel drug treatments and will be made available to the scientific community.
• Final Report: Click to view PDF

Molecular Dissection of a Subset of Gene Fusion-Associated Sarcomas that Lack the Gene Fusion

• Frederic Barr, M.D., Ph.D. University of Pennsylvania; Philadelphia, PA
• Recipient of a $25,000 Elizabeth Shriver Memorial Research Award
• Abstract: Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma is characterized by recurrent PAX3-FKHR and PAX7-FKHR gene fusions. We identified a subset of cases in which these fusions are present in only a small fraction of tumor cells or are undetectable. In this project, we will use allelic loss and high sensitivity RT-PCR assays to investigate the molecular basis of these low- and null-fusion subsets. We will utilize array-CGH to assess differences in genetic changes between these cases and standard fusion-positive cases. By dissecting these novel subsets, these studies will thereby clarify the role of these fusions in alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma pathogenesis and their utility as therapeutic targets.
• Final Report: Click to view PDF Click to view PDF

The Role of RECQ Helicases in the Pathogenesis of Osteosarcoma

• Lisa Wang, M.D. Baylor College of Medicine; Houston, TX
• Recipient of a $25,000 Elizabeth Shriver Memorial Research Award
• Abstract: We have previously shown that patients with Rothmund-Thomson syndrome who carry constitutional mutations in the RECQL4 gene are highly predisposed to developing osteosarcoma. RECQL4 is a DNA helicase that functions to maintain genomic stability. The goal of this project is to determine whether RECQL4 mutations are present in sporadic osteosarcomas. Identification of such mutations by PCR and sequencing DNA from osteosarcoma samples will provide the basis for detailed investigation of the role of previously unexplored RECQ helicase pathways in the pathogenesis of sporadic osteosarcomas. These pathways may potentially serve as future therapeutic targets for osteosarcoma.
• Final Report: Click to view PDF

Programs & Resources

Patient Resources

Information on sarcoma subtypes, treatments, clinical trials, and other important resources for sarcoma patients and families.

Sarcoma Patient Registry

Information on the Sarcoma Patient Registry. If you are diagnosed with sarcoma, please consider joining the Registry.

Research Grants

Information on applying for a sarcoma research grant, current research funded by the SFA, and past research grants.