Reversing tumor growth in brain cancer by targeting a specific protein
Official title: Epigenetic re-establishment of tumor suppression in glioblastoma
Funded at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory · NIH-10981717 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat glioblastoma by targeting a protein called BRD8 to help restore the cancer-fighting abilities of another protein, p53, in patients whose tumors still have a working version of this protein, with the hope of slowing down cancer growth and improving survival.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cold Spring Harbor, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $678,879 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA286780-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10981717 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who have tumors without mutations in the TP53 gene.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with glioblastoma that have TP53 mutations may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treat glioblastoma, a severe type of brain cancer, by focusing on a protein called BRD8 that disrupts the tumor-suppressing effects of another protein, p53. The researchers aim to re-establish the function of p53 in glioblastoma cells that do not have mutations in the TP53 gene, which accounts for a significant portion of glioblastoma cases. By targeting BRD8, the study seeks to enhance the ability of p53 to control gene expression, halt cancer cell growth, and improve survival rates in experimental models. Patients may benefit from this innovative strategy that aims to restore normal cellular functions in their tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively halt the progression of glioblastoma and improve patient survival.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar epigenetic mechanisms in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
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.
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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.