Investigating how MALT1 protease affects tumor growth and immune response in a type of brain cancer.
Official title: MALT1 protease as a regulator of anti-tumor immunity and tumor progression in diffuse midline glioma
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10884215 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a tough brain tumor in kids called H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma, and it’s testing whether blocking a protein called MALT1 can help improve treatment and boost the body’s ability to fight the cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30CA284607-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884215 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pediatric patients diagnosed with H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those without the H3K27M mutation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on H3K27M-mutant diffuse midline glioma, a challenging pediatric brain tumor that is difficult to treat. The study aims to explore the role of MALT1 protease, a protein that influences cancer cell survival and immune responses, in the progression of this tumor. By inhibiting MALT1, the researchers hope to find a way to improve treatment outcomes and enhance anti-tumor immunity. This approach could lead to safer and more effective therapies for affected children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options that improve survival rates and quality of life for children with this aggressive brain tumor.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting MALT1 in gliomas is relatively novel, preliminary studies suggest that similar strategies have shown promise in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Butterfield, Hannah — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Butterfield, Hannah
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.