Restoring natural defenses against glioblastoma brain cancer
Epigenetic re-establishment of tumor suppression in glioblastoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY · NIH-11117049
This project explores a new way to reactivate the body's natural cancer-fighting abilities in a common and aggressive type of brain tumor called glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLD SPRING HARBOR, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11117049 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and deadly adult brain cancer. Researchers found that a protein called BRD8 is essential for GBM tumors that have a normal p53 gene, which accounts for about 71% of cases. BRD8 normally stops the p53 gene from doing its job of suppressing tumors by changing how genes are expressed. This project aims to understand how BRD8 cripples p53 and how blocking BRD8 can turn p53 back on. Early findings suggest that targeting BRD8 can restore p53 activity, stop tumor growth, and improve survival in lab models.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with glioblastoma whose tumors do not have mutations in the p53 gene (TP53WT) would be the ideal candidates for future therapies based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients with glioblastoma whose tumors have p53 mutations may not benefit from this specific approach, as the mechanism relies on reactivating a normal p53 pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies for glioblastoma, particularly for patients whose tumors have a normal p53 gene.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary lab results show promise in xenograft models, but this specific approach to reactivating p53 in glioblastoma is a novel strategy distinct from previously described mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
COLD SPRING HARBOR, UNITED STATES
- COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY — COLD SPRING HARBOR, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MILLS, ALEA A. — COLD SPRING HARBOR LABORATORY
- Study coordinator: MILLS, ALEA A.
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.
Conditions: Brain Cancer, Cancer Genes, Cancer-Promoting Gene, Cancers