How low-grade brain tumors disrupt the brain's information processing
Cortical information loss in diffuse low-grade glioma infiltrated cortex
Researchers will learn how slow-growing (low-grade) gliomas change brain circuits and thinking in adults with these tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11134644 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As a patient, you can expect researchers to study brain tissue and clinical data from adults with diffuse low-grade glioma to see how tumor cells alter neural circuits. They will map where tumor cells infiltrate the cortex, examine connections between tumor cells and neurons, and measure whether inhibitory (GABAergic) and excitatory signals are disrupted. The team will use lab techniques on surgical samples (cellular mapping, electrophysiology, and advanced imaging) alongside clinical cognitive testing to link tissue changes to thinking and behavior. Results are intended to point to ways to modulate neuronal inputs to protect or restore circuit function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults (age 21+) with diffuse low-grade glioma, especially those undergoing surgery or willing to provide tissue samples and take part in cognitive testing.
Not a fit: People without low-grade glioma (for example, those with high-grade tumors, other neurological illnesses, children, or those unable or unwilling to provide tissue or attend study visits) are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to targeted treatments that protect or restore brain circuit function and improve thinking and behavior for people with low-grade glioma.
How similar studies have performed: Recent research has shown tumor–neuron synapses and circuit effects, so this builds on emerging findings but focuses on cortical layers and inhibitory signaling in ways that are novel and not yet proven to change patient outcomes.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hervey-Jumper, Shawn L. — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Hervey-Jumper, Shawn L.
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.