Investigating how a specific sugar modification affects brain tumor cells
Sialylation in the Maintenance and Metabolic Plasticity of Neural Stem Cell-Like Brain Tumor Cells
This study is looking at how a sugar change in brain tumor cells, especially glioblastoma, affects their growth and survival, which could help us find new ways to treat these tumors and improve care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10892903 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a sugar modification called sialylation in brain tumor cells, particularly glioblastoma. The study aims to explore how the enzyme ST6Gal1, which adds sialic acid to proteins, influences the growth and maintenance of these tumor cells. By examining the effects of sialylation on cell behavior and survival, the research seeks to uncover new insights into brain tumor biology and potential therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of their tumors and new treatment strategies that could arise from this work.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma or other brain tumors.
Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous brain conditions or those without brain tumors may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients with aggressive brain tumors.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific focus on ST6Gal1 and sialylation in brain tumors is relatively novel, similar approaches in cancer biology have shown promising results in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hjelmeland, Anita Borton — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Hjelmeland, Anita Borton
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.