How glioblastoma cells connect with brain nerves
Project 1: Deciphering the Dynamic Evolution of the Tumor-Neural Interface
This project builds detailed maps and computer models of how glioblastoma cells connect with normal brain cells to find signals and markers that could help people with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11181592 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will gather high-resolution molecular and imaging data across scales and combine them into computational models that map glioblastoma and its surrounding brain tissue. They will focus on how tumor cells form synaptic connections with neurons and how those networks help tumors move through white matter. The team will use preclinical models, patient-derived samples, and integrated computational-experimental tools to identify key signaling and metabolic pathways driving invasion and treatment resistance. Findings aim to reveal biomarkers of tumor state and potential targets for new therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with glioblastoma who can provide tumor tissue, clinical data, or consent to be followed at participating centers.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma or those with unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal biomarkers and targets to slow tumor invasion and make treatments for glioblastoma more effective.
How similar studies have performed: Recent laboratory studies have shown glioma cells can form neuron-like synapses and that targeting these interactions slows tumor growth in models, but clinical benefits in patients remain unproven.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Agar, Nathalie Yr — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Agar, Nathalie Yr
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.