Creating 3D models of pituitary tumors for Cushing's Disease
Development of 3-dimensional human pituitary corticotroph tumor cultures as a preclinical model for drug discovery
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES · NIH-11127578
Researchers are growing miniature 3D models of human pituitary tumors in the lab to help find new treatments for Cushing's Disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11127578 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Cushing's Disease is a serious condition caused by a pituitary tumor that produces too much hormone, and finding new medicines has been challenging due to a lack of good models. Our team has successfully created unique 3D models of human pituitary tumors from patient samples that continue to produce the hormone ACTH for several months. We will use these models to understand the tumor's genetic makeup and how it changes over time. This new approach will help us test potential new drugs more effectively, bringing hope for better therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients who have undergone surgery for ACTH-secreting pituitary tumors are the source of the tissue used in this research.
Not a fit: Patients without Cushing's Disease or those whose tumors do not secrete ACTH would not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to the discovery of new and more effective medications for patients living with Cushing's Disease.
How similar studies have performed: This project is groundbreaking as it describes the first successful creation of long-lasting 3D human corticotroph tumor cultures.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HEANEY, ANTHONY P — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOS ANGELES
- Study coordinator: HEANEY, ANTHONY P
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.