How tumor cells read genes in diffuse midline glioma
Mechanisms of Pol II Elongation in Diffuse Midline Glioma
['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11261094
This project looks at how gene-reading machinery is altered in diffuse midline glioma to find new targets for treatments for children and adults with these tumors.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11261094 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Diffuse midline gliomas often carry H3K27M mutations that change how tumor cells read their genes, and researchers are focusing on the Pol II elongation machinery that controls that process. The team used CRISPR genetic screens to find key proteins, including Elongin B (ELOB) and VHL, that tumor cells depend on. In the lab they remove or modify these proteins in cell and model systems to see how tumor gene activity and chromatin binding change. The goal is to translate those findings into drug targets that could be tested in future clinical trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a diagnosis of diffuse midline glioma—especially children and adults whose tumors carry H3K27M histone mutations—would be most relevant to follow this work or participate in future trials.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or without H3K27M mutations are less likely to see direct benefits from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new, more effective and less toxic drug targets for people with diffuse midline glioma.
How similar studies have performed: Drugs targeting transcriptional machinery have shown promise in other cancers but so far have not improved survival for diffuse midline glioma, making this a promising but still unproven approach.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ANASTAS, JAMIE N. — BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: ANASTAS, JAMIE N.
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.
Conditions: Anti-Cancer Agents, Brain Cancer