Exploring how the environment around low-grade gliomas affects their progression to cancer
Official title: Understanding the role of tumor microenvironment in low grade glioma progression to malignancy
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-10995229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at low-grade gliomas to find out why some of these brain tumors become more serious while others don’t, and it involves patients providing samples to help researchers create a detailed map that could lead to better ways to prevent tumor progression.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,069,188 |
| NIH project number | 1U01CA294551-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10995229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with low-grade gliomas, particularly those from diverse backgrounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with high-grade gliomas or those who do not have gliomas may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the tumor microenvironment of low-grade gliomas to understand why some tumors progress to malignancy while others remain stable. By collaborating with experts from UCLA and Caltech, the team will create a detailed atlas comparing different glioma samples using advanced techniques like spatial transcriptomics and proteomics. The goal is to identify molecular and cellular changes that predict malignant transformation, which could lead to new strategies for prevention. Patients will contribute fresh samples to help build this comparative atlas and enhance our understanding of glioma behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new interventions that prevent low-grade gliomas from becoming malignant.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding tumor microenvironments, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cai, Long — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Cai, Long
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How the tumor neighborhood affects low-grade glioma turning into a more dangerous cancer
Researchers will map cells and molecules inside low-grade glioma tumors to find signs that predict which tumors in people may become malignant.
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OPTIMUM: Engaging LGG patients in understanding how low-grade brain tumors evolve
A large study plans to involve people with low-grade glioma to map how their tumors change from initial diagnosis to recurrence using patient-friendly data sharing and trial connections.
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Targeted therapies for pediatric low-grade glioma
A pediatric brain tumor project aims to find better, safer targeted treatments for kids with low-grade gliomas.
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Understanding how diffuse low-grade gliomas disrupt cortical information processing
This study looks at how a common adult brain tumor changes brain circuits and thinking skills, with the aim of guiding better therapies for cognitive problems.
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Targeting O-mannosylation in pediatric brain tumors driven by BRAF fusion
A pediatric brain tumor project is exploring whether blocking a specific sugar-modifying process called POMT-mediated O-mannosylation can stop tumor growth in tumors driven by KIAA1549-BRAF fusions.
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Druggable targets in pediatric low-grade glioma through multi-modal data and screening
A pediatric brain tumor study aims to find new drug targets by integrating imaging, genetics, and biology data to tailor treatments for children with low-grade gliomas.
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.