How brain support cells (astrocytes) mature in normal development and in glioblastoma
Shared mechanisms of astrocyte maturation in development and glioblastoma
This project looks at whether turning on specific gene regulators can make immature astrocytes mature correctly, which could help people with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11127674 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare the molecular programs that drive astrocyte maturation during normal human brain development with the programs active in glioblastoma cells. They used existing gene-expression, epigenetic (ATAC-seq), and DNA-binding data to pick candidate transcription factors that might push cells to mature. In the lab they will manipulate those factors in human astrocytes and 3-D cell culture models to see if the cells become more like mature, non-dividing astrocytes. The work also tests whether the same factors can 'jump-start' stalled maturation in glioblastoma-derived astrocyte-like cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with glioblastoma, especially those able to donate tumor tissue or participate in related sample-collection efforts, would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma or with non-astrocyte brain conditions are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this primarily lab-based research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new ways to make glioblastoma cells less aggressive or reveal targets for future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have shown transcription factors can change cell fate in neurons and glia, but applying these approaches to human glioblastoma cells is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Atlanta, United States
- Emory University — Atlanta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Spangle, Jennifer Marie — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Spangle, Jennifer Marie
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.