How DNA chemical tags and 3D genome folding can trigger glioma
Modeling and Dissecting Epigenetic Drivers of Gliomagenesis
This project looks at how changes in DNA methylation and genome folding can turn normal brain cells into glioma cells, especially in tumors with IDH1 mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11166407 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have an IDH1-mutant glioma, this work aims to explain how abnormal DNA methylation changes the three-dimensional folding of DNA and removes genomic 'insulators' that normally keep growth genes off. The team will compare tumor samples and lab models to map methylation patterns, insulator (CTCF) sites, and enhancer–gene interactions near the PDGFRA growth gene. They will use those maps and model systems to test whether disrupting specific insulators causes harmful gene activation. Results may point to molecular steps that could be targeted by future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with diffuse gliomas, especially those whose tumors carry IDH1 mutations, would be the best fit to provide samples or be future therapy candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with non-glioma brain conditions or gliomas without IDH1 mutations are less likely to benefit directly from the specific findings of this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the project could reveal specific molecular switches that drive glioma growth and suggest new targets for therapies for IDH1-mutant gliomas.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that IDH1 mutations cause DNA hypermethylation and can disrupt CTCF insulators to activate PDGFRA, but this project digs deeper into the exact insulators, enhancers, and cell-type effects.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rahme, Gilbert J — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Rahme, Gilbert J
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.