Investigating how cell fusion affects glioblastoma diversity and treatment resistance
Official title: ELAVL1 role in glioblastoma heterogeneity through intercellular gene transfer mediated by cell fusion and tunneling membrane nanotube formation
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11009955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cell behaviors in glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, might affect how the cancer grows and resists treatment, with the hope that the findings will help create better, more personalized treatments for patients like you.
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 start | February 8, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $339,694 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA269365-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who are experiencing treatment resistance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of cell fusion and tunneling nanotube formations in the genetic diversity of glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer. By analyzing patient-derived tissue and using advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and mass spectrometry, the study aims to understand how these cellular interactions contribute to treatment resistance. The research will involve both laboratory experiments and mouse models to mimic the tumor environment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to more effective treatments tailored to the unique characteristics of their tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for glioblastoma patients by addressing the underlying causes of tumor heterogeneity.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying cell fusion and tunneling nanotubes in glioblastoma is relatively novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding tumor heterogeneity in other cancers.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nabors, Louis B — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Nabors, Louis B
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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.