Blocking glioblastoma cells from using certain amino acids
Targeting Amino Acid Metabolism in Glioblastoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11387969
This project aims to stop glioblastoma tumors from using specific amino acids so they grow less and the immune system can fight them better.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11387969 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will compare glioblastoma tumor cells with normal neural cells to find which essential amino acids tumors preferentially take up. They will study how those amino acids are processed inside tumor cells and how the resulting metabolites change tumor genes and immune responses. The work will use molecular and cell biology methods, analysis of patient-derived tumor samples, and preclinical models to test whether cutting off these amino acid pathways weakens tumors. The team will also look at how these metabolic changes influence the ability of the immune system to recognize and attack the tumor.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with glioblastoma who are open to experimental metabolic or immune-based therapies would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical opportunities arising from this work.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma or whose tumors do not depend on the targeted amino acid pathways would likely not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that slow tumor growth and make immunotherapies more effective for people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting cancer metabolism has produced promising laboratory and early clinical results in some cancers, but it remains an emerging and unproven strategy specifically for glioblastoma.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: RICH, JEREMY N — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: RICH, JEREMY N
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.