Investigating how purine metabolism affects resistance to brain cancer treatment

Role of purine metabolism in chemoresistance

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10650311

This study is looking at how glioblastoma, a tough type of brain cancer, can resist common treatments like chemotherapy and radiation, and it will focus on a protein called ARL13B to find new ways to help improve treatment for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10650311 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain cancer with a poor prognosis. It aims to understand how cancer cells become resistant to standard treatments like chemotherapy and radiotherapy by examining their purine metabolism. The study will explore the role of a specific protein, ARL13B, in the purine biosynthesis pathway, which is crucial for cancer cell growth and survival. By identifying mechanisms of resistance, the goal is to develop new strategies to improve treatment outcomes for patients with glioblastoma.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who are undergoing standard treatment protocols.

Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not undergoing treatment for glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options and better survival rates for patients with glioblastoma.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting metabolic pathways can be effective in overcoming treatment resistance in various cancers, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.