How blood vessel cells change to help glioblastoma grow and resist treatment
Endothelial plasticity in glioma vascularization and therapy resistance
This work looks at whether changing the behavior of blood vessel cells can make glioblastoma less able to resist treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130621 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying glioblastoma tumors and the cells that line their blood vessels (endothelial cells) because these cells can change in ways that help tumors grow and block immune attack. The team analyzes individual tumor and vessel cells from mice and human samples using single-cell gene profiling to see which genes drive these changes. They use genome-wide CRISPR screens to find key regulators (for example, FoxC2) and test what happens when those genes are turned off in animal models. The group is also exploring targeted approaches like lipid nanoparticles carrying small interfering RNA to shut down those genes and improve immune cell access to the tumor.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with glioblastoma, especially those whose tumors are resistant to standard treatments, would be the most likely candidates to benefit.
Not a fit: People with other types of brain tumors, children, or patients whose tumors do not depend on blood vessel cell changes are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make tumors less able to block immune cells and improve responses to chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
How similar studies have performed: Similar strategies have shown promising results in laboratory and animal studies but have not yet been proven effective in patients.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fan, Yi — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Fan, Yi
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.