How nerve cells affect low-grade optic pathway brain tumors
Neuronal Regulation of Low-Grade Gliomagenesis
This work looks at whether activity from retinal nerve cells helps start or drive low-grade optic pathway gliomas, especially in young children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1).
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11309159 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on optic pathway gliomas that commonly occur in young children with NF1 and can harm vision. Researchers will use well‑validated NF1 optic glioma mouse models to change retinal ganglion cell activity and watch how that affects tumor start, growth, and vision-related outcomes. They will study the molecular signals between neurons and tumor cells to find the pathways that drive tumor formation and progression. The aim is to find strategies that could prevent or slow these tumors so children might avoid treatments that cause long-term brain and vision side effects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The most relevant patients are young children with Neurofibromatosis type 1 who have or are at high risk for optic pathway gliomas and their families interested in future clinical options.
Not a fit: People with high-grade gliomas, non‑optic pathway brain tumors, or patients needing immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to ways to prevent or slow NF1-associated optic pathway gliomas and protect children's vision while reducing toxic treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies from these and other groups have shown that altering neuronal activity can prevent or slow optic pathway glioma formation in mouse models, but translating this approach to people is still new.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Monje-Deisseroth, Michelle — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Monje-Deisseroth, Michelle
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.