Investigating a new treatment target for a deadly childhood brain cancer
Official title: ATIC is a novel molecular target in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11191212 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to fight a tough brain cancer called DIPG in kids by targeting a specific molecule that might help the tumors grow, with hopes of finding better treatments to help these children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $420,186 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS132884-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11191212 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with DIPG may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), a highly aggressive and currently incurable brain cancer in children. The team is exploring a novel molecular target called ATIC, which is involved in purine metabolism and may play a role in the growth of DIPG tumors. By using advanced techniques like metabolomics and CRISPR gene editing, the researchers aim to understand how inhibiting ATIC can affect tumor growth and survival in mouse models. The goal is to develop combination therapies that can overcome resistance to existing treatments and improve outcomes for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that significantly improve survival rates for children with DIPG.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting molecular pathways in DIPG is relatively novel, preliminary studies have shown promise in identifying effective treatment strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dasgupta, Biplab — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Dasgupta, Biplab
Related research
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This study is testing a new treatment for children with a tough brain tumor called DIPG, using special molecules to target a specific gene mutation in the tumor, with the hope of helping kids live longer and healthier lives.
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Using B7-H3 CAR T cells after radiation to treat a deadly brain tumor in children and young adults
This study is testing a new treatment using special immune cells called B7-H3 CAR T cells for children and young adults with a tough brain tumor called DIPG, hoping to help them live longer after their initial radiation therapy.
-
Targeting a specific mutation in brain tumors with RNA nanoparticles
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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.