Brain support cells (astrocytes) sending mitochondria to glioblastoma tumors
Mitochondrial transfer from astrocytes to glioblastoma cells drives tumor growth
This work looks at how brain support cells give energy-making parts called mitochondria to glioblastoma tumors and whether stopping that transfer could help people with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11323935 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use patient-derived tumor cells, cell cultures, and mouse models to watch mitochondria move from astrocytes into glioblastoma cells using live imaging and molecular tracing. They will manipulate proteins that help cells fuse and exchange mitochondria to see how blocking transfer changes tumor growth, survival, and therapy resistance. The team will also profile genetic and chromatin changes in recipient tumor cells with sequencing methods to understand downstream effects. Findings will guide whether targeting mitochondrial transfer could become a strategy for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glioblastoma, particularly those willing to donate tumor tissue or consider related future clinical trials, would be the ideal candidates connected to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or those seeking an immediate new therapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to slow tumor growth or make existing treatments work better by preventing mitochondria exchange that helps glioblastoma cells survive.
How similar studies have performed: Early laboratory studies show mitochondria can move between cells in some cancers, but targeting this exchange in glioblastoma is a fairly new and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Coral Gables, United States
- University of Miami School of Medicine — Coral Gables, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Watson, Dionysios C — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Watson, Dionysios C
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.