Epigenetic dependence in DIPG with H3K27M mutation
Official title: Epigenetic dependence of diffuse midline glioma with H3K27M mutation
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11398046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at how DIPG brain cancer cells with the H3K27M mutation rely on other chromatin regulators, which could point to new treatment targets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $468,810 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277605-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with DIPG or models derived from DIPG tumors may eventually benefit from targeted therapies arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without DIPG or related research models are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a deadly childhood brain cancer with few effective therapies. The study explores how the cancer’s epigenetic program, driven by H3K27M, makes tumor cells dependent on other chromatin regulators. By comparing how H3.1K27M and H3.3K27M DIPG cells behave, researchers aim to identify vulnerabilities that could be targeted with drugs. The work involves molecular analyses in human-derived DIPG models to uncover potential therapeutic targets. If successful, findings could guide development of new treatments for DIPG patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new drug targets and therapies for DIPG, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows epigenetic regulators play a role in DIPG biology, with growing evidence for therapeutic targeting.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhiguo — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhiguo
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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.