How glioblastoma tumors interact with brain cells and the immune system
Quantitative systems biology of glioblastoma cells and their interactions with the neuronal and immunological milieu
This project builds lab and computer models of how glioblastoma tumors communicate with neurons and immune cells to find new ways to slow tumor spread and 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-11181562 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have glioblastoma, this center will combine experiments in cells and animals with analyses of human tumor samples and patient data to map interactions among tumor cells, neurons, and immune cells. The team will build integrated computational models from those data and test key predictions in laboratory models and in samples from dozens of patients. The aim is to pinpoint processes that drive tumor invasion or suppress immune clearance and to highlight targets or strategies that could be developed into new treatments. Researchers may ask patients undergoing surgery to donate tumor tissue or clinical data to validate the models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with glioblastoma who are willing to donate tumor tissue during surgery or share clinical information with researchers are the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without brain tumors, patients with other tumor types, or those looking for immediate treatment benefit rather than tissue donation or data sharing are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify new targets or strategies to reduce tumor invasion and improve how the immune system or therapies clear glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research shows neurons and immune cells influence glioblastoma, but using large-scale experimental data plus integrated computational models validated in human samples is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Cambridge, United States
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology — Cambridge, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: White, Forest M — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: White, Forest M
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.