Investigating how a specific enzyme affects the development and spread of pediatric brain tumors.
Official title: The Role of GABA Transaminase ABAT in Pediatric Brain Tumor Medulloblastoma Development and Spread
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11044169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a common brain tumor in kids, called medulloblastoma, spreads in the body and is exploring a specific protein that might help us understand how these tumors grow and become dangerous.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | February 28, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $494,363 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS133038-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under 11 years old diagnosed with medulloblastoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those over the age of 11 may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on medulloblastoma, the most common brain tumor in children, particularly how it spreads through the cerebrospinal fluid. The team is studying the role of GABA transaminase (ABAT) in the tumor's development and its ability to metastasize. By examining the tumor and its surrounding environment, the researchers aim to understand the mechanisms that allow these tumors to become life-threatening. The study involves analyzing the expression of ABAT and its effects on tumor cells and their interactions with the brain's microenvironment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that target the mechanisms of tumor spread in pediatric brain cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor biology and metastasis, but this specific approach focusing on ABAT is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Neman-Ebrahim, Josh — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Neman-Ebrahim, Josh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How the ABAT enzyme helps medulloblastoma spread in children
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-
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Non-invasive MR‑guided brain hyperthermia to boost brain cancer treatment
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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.