Investigating how reducing SMARCAL1 affects immune responses in certain brain tumors.
Official title: The Role of SMARCAL1 Depletion on Increased Immunogenicity in ALT+ Gliomas
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11065005 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called SMARCAL1 affects aggressive brain tumors, and by reducing this protein, researchers hope to make the tumors more vulnerable to treatment by boosting the immune system's response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $75,520 |
| NIH project number | 1F32CA298007-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065005 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with high-grade gliomas, particularly those exhibiting the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low-grade gliomas or those whose tumors do not utilize the ALT mechanism may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a protein called SMARCAL1 in high-grade gliomas, a type of aggressive brain tumor. By depleting SMARCAL1, the study aims to increase DNA damage in tumor cells and enhance the immune response against these tumors. Researchers will use advanced techniques to observe how this depletion affects inflammation and immune signaling in both human and mouse models of gliomas. The goal is to find new ways to make these tumors more responsive to treatment by activating the immune system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the immune response against aggressive brain tumors, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways to enhance immune responses in tumors, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Erman, Elise — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Erman, Elise
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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.