How glioblastoma cells spread through the brain
Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of GBM Infiltration
Looking at how signals from active brain cells and specific genes help glioblastoma tumors spread in adults with the disease.
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-11322142 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare gene activity in tumors that move toward highly active neurons and use those molecular signatures to find genes that drive tumor spread. They will test candidate genes (including EphA6, EphA7, and Sema4F) in experimental models to see if increasing or blocking them changes how far tumor cells migrate. The team will also measure changes in immune cells, especially CD8 T cells, to understand how tumor spread affects anti-tumor immunity. Findings could guide targets for treatments that slow or stop tumor infiltration.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults diagnosed with glioblastoma (GBM), especially those able to provide tumor tissue for research or interested in future related clinical trials, would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People with other types of brain tumors or non-brain cancers, and those seeking immediate clinical treatment benefits, are unlikely to gain direct short-term benefit from this basic science grant.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to block glioblastoma spread and strengthen immune responses, which might slow recurrence and improve outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked neuronal activity to glioma growth and implicated axon-guidance pathways, but targeting activity-driven tumor spread and its immune consequences is still an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deneen, Benjamin — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Deneen, Benjamin
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.