Blocking SIRT1 to slow childhood medulloblastoma

Targeting histone deacetylase SIRT1 in medulloblastoma

['FUNDING_R01'] · GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11247564

This project looks at whether turning down a protein called SIRT1 can stop or slow the growth of a common childhood brain tumor called medulloblastoma.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorGEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11247564 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Researchers at George Washington University are studying a protein named SIRT1 that helps control cell growth and may drive some medulloblastomas. In the lab they will map how SIRT1 alters cell structures called centrosomes and cilia by changing other proteins (including PLK2 and CCDC66). The team will test how changing SIRT1 activity affects tumor cells in dishes and in animal models, with a focus on the sonic hedgehog (SHH) subtype of medulloblastoma. The goal is to see whether targeting SIRT1 could lead to new treatment strategies for this subtype.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Children with medulloblastoma—especially those whose tumors are classified as the SHH subtype—are the most directly relevant group for this research.

Not a fit: Patients with non-SHH medulloblastoma subtypes or unrelated brain conditions are less likely to benefit from findings specific to SIRT1 and SHH-driven tumors.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to slow or stop growth of SHH-subtype medulloblastoma and lead to future therapies for children with this tumor.

How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies in several cancers have linked SIRT1 to tumor growth and some early preclinical work supports targeting SIRT1, but applying this approach to medulloblastoma is relatively new and not yet tested in people.

Where this research is happening

WASHINGTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.