Progress Update: Wilms Tumor in WAGR Syndrome Mouse Research
Following the Global Genes workshop in Houston, Kelly and Shari visited the MD Anderson Cancer Center at the University of Texas. Vicki Huff, Professor, Department of Genetics and Director, CCSG Advanced Technology Genomics Core, and her research team are successfully breeding mice in preparation for a first of its kind study. This study involves using a “mouse model” of Wilms tumor in WAGR syndrome to test a proposed drug in these mice. This mouse model mimics the genetic alterations observed in Wilms tumors in patients with WAGR syndrome. The proposed drug could potentially help to prevent Wilms tumor, or reduce the risk of Wilms tumor occurring in these patients. If this multi-year project proves successful in the laboratory, clinical trials could soon follow.