Glioblastoma cells release GABA that affects the immune environment
Official title: Glioblastoma-secreted GABA contributes to the immunosuppressive environment
Funded at University of California Los Angeles · NIH-10809148 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain tumor called glioblastoma uses a chemical called GABA to change the way the immune system works around it, and by understanding this, the researchers hope to find new ways to help the immune system fight the tumor better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $432,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21NS131767-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10809148 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have been diagnosed with glioblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor, secretes a neurotransmitter called GABA that alters the immune environment around the tumor. By examining how GABA influences immune cells, the study aims to understand its role in creating an immunosuppressive environment that allows tumors to grow unchecked. The researchers will use specialized cell lines that lack the enzyme responsible for GABA production to see how this affects immune cell behavior and tumor growth. This approach could lead to new strategies for enhancing immune responses against glioblastoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve immune responses against glioblastoma, potentially increasing survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that targeting GABA in other tumor types has led to promising results, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in glioblastoma.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaufman, Daniel — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Kaufman, Daniel
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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.