Momeny receives NETRF grant
The Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation has announced Majid Momeny, PhD, instructor at the Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine Center for Translational Cancer Research as a recipient of its newest neuroendocrine cancer research grants.
“I am grateful to receive this grant,” Momeny said. “It’s a valuable opportunity to advance our cancer research and work toward meaningful impact. I’m excited to move forward with this support.”
Ten investigators are receiving awards for studying the most promising scientific approaches to understanding and treating neuroendocrine cancer. Funding for the 10 grants totals $2 million, bring NETRF’s all-time investment in research to $39.8 million.
“As the largest global funder of neuroendocrine cancer research, NETRF is the lifeline for dedicated scientists working tirelessly to unravel the complexities of this uncommon and challenging disease,” said Elyse Gellerman, NETRF’s chief executive officer. “NETRF is making the impossible possible by accelerating leading-edge research in early detection and personalized treatments. With this vital funding, we’re not just advancing science – we’re paving the way to a future without neuroendocrine cancer.”
With the funding, Momeny’s research project aims to uncover the role of dual specificity phosphatase 6 (DUSP6) in neuroendocrine tumors. He said that as an oncogenic phosphatase, DUSP6 drives tumor progression and therapy resistance, making it a promising target.
“Neuroendocrine tumors are rare, heterogenous, and resistant to conventional treatments, with rising incidence highlighting the need for better therapies,” Momeny said. “We will investigate DUSP6’s role in NETs and evaluate the potential of DUSP6 inhibition to improve treatment. Using robust preclinical models, clinical specimens, and a biomarker-driven approach, this project seeks to advance NET therapies through innovative strategies.”
Academic institutions receiving NETRF funding include UTHealth Houston, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, the University of Iowa Health Care, Laval University in Quebec, Massachusetts General Hospital, Korea Military Academy, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, and UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine.
Since its founding in 2005, NETRF has provided funding for 156 research projects at 76 institutions in 17 countries worldwide.