How glioblastoma and seizures make each other worse
RECIPROCAL FEEDBACK MECHANISMS OF GLIOBLASTOMA AND NEURONAL NETWORK HYPEREXCITABILITY
This project looks at how aggressive brain tumors and nearby overactive brain cells make each other worse, aiming to find ways to slow tumor growth and reduce seizures in people with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11285169 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use a genetic mouse model of glioblastoma to watch how tumor cells and nearby neurons interact and lead to seizures over time. They will apply CRISPR/Cas9 tumor models together with chronic cellular and large-scale brain imaging to track glutamate signaling, synapse changes, and neural hyperactivity. The team will map how bursts of neural activity influence tumor growth and identify when the disease might be most treatable. Results are intended to point to specific molecules or timing for therapies that could address both seizures and tumor progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with glioblastoma, especially those who experience tumor-related epilepsy or recurrent seizures, are the patients most likely to benefit from future clinical advances based on this research.
Not a fit: People with other brain tumor types, non-tumor-related epilepsy, or no seizures are less likely to see direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify targets or treatment windows that slow tumor spread and reduce tumor-related seizures, improving quality of life for people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and animal studies support a role for tumor-driven glutamate and neuronal hyperactivity in disease progression, but using chronic in vivo imaging in an immunocompetent CRISPR GBM model is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meyer, Jochen — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Meyer, Jochen
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.