Ancient viral DNA and aggressive glioblastoma stem cells
Project 4-Monika Rak
This project looks at whether reawakened viral-like DNA in the human genome helps glioblastoma stem cells survive and resist treatment for people with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Lsu Health Sciences Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11191625 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine glioblastoma tumor samples and lab-grown tumor cells to see if human endogenous retroviral sequences (HERVs) are switched on in these cancers. They will link HERV activity to the presence and behavior of glioma-initiating, stem-like cells that are thought to drive recurrence and drug resistance. The team will use molecular analyses of patient tumors and experimental cell models to test whether turning down HERV activity reduces stem-like traits and improves response to therapies. Findings could point to new molecular targets to make existing treatments work better.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glioblastoma, particularly those undergoing surgery or tumor biopsy who can provide tissue samples or participate in linked sample-collection efforts, would be the best matches.
Not a fit: People with non-glioblastoma brain tumors or those not able or willing to provide tumor tissue are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to reduce tumor stemness and improve treatment response in glioblastoma patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have found HERV activity linked to development and some cancers, but using HERV-directed approaches to block glioblastoma stem cells is largely novel and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
New Orleans, United States
- Lsu Health Sciences Center — New Orleans, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rak, Monika — Lsu Health Sciences Center
- Study coordinator: Rak, Monika
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.