NIH-funded research R37 grant

Epigenetic rules of brain tumor cell states in glioblastoma

Official title: Epigenetic mechanisms of adaptive plasticity in glioblastoma

Funded at Duke University · NIH-11447009 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant studies how glioblastoma cells change states at the epigenetic level to resist therapy, with mouse models and single-cell profiling.

More Glioblastoma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDuke University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, United States)
Project startAugust 19, 2026
Project endJuly 31, 2031
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$726,421
NIH project number1R37CA304729-01A1
Project IDNIH-11447009 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Patients with glioblastoma could benefit from future therapies emerging from this research.

Less likely to help

Direct benefits are unlikely for patients outside the scope of future translational trials.

What this research studies

Glioblastoma remains one of the deadliest brain cancers despite current treatments. The project focuses on how non-genetic cell states and epigenetic changes drive adaptive therapy resistance. Researchers will use glioma stem cell xenografts in mice and single-cell analyses to map how tumor cells respond to treatment over time. The goal is to translate these insights into strategies that target cell state diversity to improve therapies for GBM patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatment approaches that prevent or overcome therapy resistance in glioblastoma.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work shows epigenetic mechanisms can influence GBM cell states and treatment response, suggesting this approach is promising but not yet proven in humans.

Where this research is happening

  • Duke University
    Durham, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Patel, Anoop P. — Duke University
  • Study coordinator: Patel, Anoop P.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.