Controlling brain immune cells to treat glioblastoma
Mechanism and therapeutic potential of microglia regulation in glioblastoma
They aim to change how brain immune cells (microglia) act to help treatments work better for adults with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145191 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows findings that a tumor clock gene (CLOCK/BMAL1) helps glioblastoma cells attract microglia by increasing a signal called OLFML3. The team will map the molecular steps that draw microglia into tumors and how those microglia suppress the immune response. They will use lab models and patient-derived samples to test how blocking these signals or reprogramming microglia affects tumor growth and response to immunotherapy. The goal is to develop drug strategies that target microglia or their signals to boost treatment effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with glioblastoma, especially those open to therapies targeting the tumor microenvironment or taking part in translational trials, would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma (other tumor types), pediatric patients, or those unable to travel for specialized care or biopsies are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that make immunotherapy and other therapies more effective and extend survival for people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have hinted that targeting microglia or CLOCK/BMAL1 can slow glioma growth, but this microglia-focused approach is relatively new and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Peiwen — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Chen, Peiwen
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.