Potential non-muscle myosin II inhibitor for pediatric brain tumors
Official title: Determining the potential of a novel non-muscle myosin II therapeutic in pediatric brain tumors
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11441649 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A first-in-class drug approach is being explored to treat a deadly pediatric brain tumor by targeting a motor protein inside cancer cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $344,750 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS150124-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11441649 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are children with DMG or related pediatric brain tumor subtypes where the drug’s mechanism could be relevant.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without DMG or without the drug’s mechanistic relevance may not experience benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a brain cancer in children called diffuse midline glioma (DMG) and tests a brain-penetrant drug that inhibits non-muscle myosin IIA/IIB. The work builds on prior findings in adult brain cancer and aims to translate that approach to DMG, potentially offering a new treatment pathway. The study will use preclinical models to understand how the drug affects tumor cells and works with existing radiation therapy approaches. If successful, this line of research could pave the way for early-stage clinical testing in pediatric patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the approach works, it could lead to new treatment options that improve survival and quality of life for children with DMG.
How similar studies have gone: Similar actin-motor inhibitors have shown promising anti-tumor activity in preclinical models and early human trials in other cancers, but DMG-specific data are limited.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Courtney a — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Miller, Courtney a
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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.