BAI3 in glioblastoma: how a brain protein isoform could help patients
Official title: Investigating a Tumor Suppressor Role for BAI3 in Glioblastoma
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11498746 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small NIH grant is exploring how a brain protein called BAI3, produced in two forms, may affect glioblastoma and patient survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $141,457 |
| NIH project number | 1R03NS153053-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11498746 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with glioblastoma or those affected by brain tumors may benefit from advances that arise from understanding BAI3 isoforms.
✕Less likely to help
People with tumors not driven by BAI3 biology or who cannot access experimental therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, and how different versions of the BAI3 protein are made in brain cells. Using advanced sequencing, researchers will identify the two BAI3 isoforms and how they are regulated in tumors vs normal brain. They will test whether restoring the shorter BAI3 form can slow tumor growth and improve survival in models that mimic human disease. The findings could point to new ideas for therapies that target specific BAI3 isoforms in GBM patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could uncover new targets for therapies aiming to extend survival for people with GBM.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that alternative promoter usage can alter brain protein function and influence tumor behavior, with some approaches improving outcomes in models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Meir, Erwin G. — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Van Meir, Erwin G.
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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.