How the H3K27M histone change drives diffuse midline (brainstem) glioma
Epigenetic dependence of diffuse midline glioma with H3K27M mutation
This project aims to find whether targeting chromatin regulators that H3K27M-mutant tumors rely on can slow or stop diffuse midline glioma in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11159681 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study how the H3K27M change in histone H3 rewires gene control in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) cells. They will use patient-derived tumor cells and laboratory models to identify other chromatin regulators that the tumors depend on. The team will test whether blocking those regulators disrupts tumor growth and interaction with normal brain cells. Results will be used to point to new drug targets for future therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children or young adults diagnosed with diffuse midline glioma/DIPG, especially tumors known to carry the H3K27M mutation, would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not carry the H3K27M mutation or who have unrelated brain conditions are unlikely to directly benefit from this specific line of research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could identify new molecular targets that lead to therapies slowing tumor growth or extending survival for children with DIPG.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown that epigenetic changes drive DIPG biology and that targeting chromatin regulators can work in cells and animal models, but effective patient treatments have not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Zhiguo — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Zhiguo
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.