New ways to treat childhood brain tumors called ependymomas
Targeting integrated metabolic and epigenetic pathways in childhood ependymomas
This research explores new treatment ideas for childhood brain tumors called ependymomas by understanding how their metabolism and gene regulation work together.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11117122 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Childhood ependymomas, especially those in the hindbrain, are very serious, and current treatments like surgery and radiation often aren't enough to cure them. We know that many of these tumors are driven by changes in how their genes are turned on or off, rather than typical genetic mutations. This project aims to understand how these tumors reprogram their energy use and how that connects to these gene regulation changes. By uncovering these connections, we hope to find new ways to stop these aggressive tumors from growing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is most relevant for children diagnosed with ependymomas, particularly those with the more aggressive group-A (PFA) type.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of brain tumors or those whose ependymomas do not share these specific metabolic and epigenetic characteristics may not directly benefit from this particular approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new, more effective treatments for children with ependymomas, especially the aggressive PFA type, offering hope beyond current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting integrated metabolic and epigenetic pathways in childhood ependymomas is novel, preliminary data from this team suggests promising avenues for further investigation.
Where this research is happening
Ann Arbor, United States
- University of Michigan at Ann Arbor — Ann Arbor, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Venneti, Sriram — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Venneti, Sriram
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.