Investigating a new treatment approach for IDH1-mutant glioma using p53 and ferroptosis.
Official title: Exploring p53-mediated ferroptosis to treat IDH1-mutant glioma
Funded at University of Utah · NIH-11031338 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the p53 gene might affect treatment for a type of brain cancer called IDH1-mutant gliomas, and it hopes to find ways to make these tumors more responsive to a special kind of cell death that could help improve treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $346,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126652-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031338 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with IDH1-mutant glioma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without IDH1 mutations or those with other types of brain tumors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how alterations in the p53 gene affect the treatment of IDH1-mutant gliomas, a type of brain cancer. The study aims to explore a specific form of cell death called ferroptosis, which may be inhibited by p53 alterations in these tumors. By reactivating p53, the researchers hope to make IDH1-mutant gliomas more sensitive to ferroptosis, potentially leading to more effective treatment strategies. Patients with this type of glioma may benefit from insights gained through this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that improve outcomes for patients with IDH1-mutant glioma.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting ferroptosis in gliomas is relatively novel, there is emerging evidence suggesting that similar strategies may have shown promise in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Huang, L. Eric — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Huang, L. Eric
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Next‑gen oncolytic virus therapy for glioblastoma targeting AKT and ERK
A new cancer therapy using an engineered oncolytic virus to fight glioblastoma by blocking AKT/ERK signals and boosting the body’s immune response, with potential to reduce seizures and improve quality of life.
-
Bone marrow immune cells and glioma progression in teens and young adults
A study in adolescents and young adults with brain tumors looks at how immune cells from bone marrow may influence the progression from low-grade to high-grade gliomas.
-
How RNA Splicing Might Shape Glioma Cell States and Therapy Response
A small NIH-funded project will study how alternative RNA splicing influences glioma cell identities and treatment resistance in patient-derived cells.
-
Liquid biopsy for monitoring high-grade glioma using patient-specific DNA junctions
A Mayo Clinic team tests a blood test that looks for unique tumor DNA pieces in glioblastoma patients to monitor disease without frequent scans.
-
Deciphering how a brain cell pH helper influences glioma growth
A study is exploring whether a brain cell pH regulator (Slc4a4) affects the growth and blood vessel changes of malignant glioma to identify new angles for treatment.
-
Predicting how gene therapy spreads in glioblastoma after surgery to improve treatment coverage
This project uses a gene therapy that helps radiation work better against glioblastoma and builds computer models to predict where the therapy reaches after surgical tumor removal.
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.