Sex-specific role of GABA signaling in glioblastoma immune response
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11452828 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in people with glioblastoma to understand how GABA signaling in immune cells may influence tumor progression and treatment responses, with a focus on sex differences.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | June 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $575,453 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS144145-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11452828 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with glioblastoma who consent to participate and provide tissue samples or participate in related studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without GBM or those who do not meet participation criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
Glioblastoma is a deadly brain cancer where current treatments haven’t changed much in years. This research explores how GABA signaling in immune cells within the tumor environment may drive or suppress tumor growth differently in men and women. Using patient-derived samples and models, the team will examine how GABA receptors affect immune cell behavior and the anti-tumor response, with attention to sex-specific effects. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to improve immunotherapy and outcomes for GBM patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Understanding these mechanisms could lead to new, sex-specific treatment strategies that improve survival and quality of life for GBM patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown sex differences in GBM immune interactions, supporting the potential for meaningful advances with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bayik Watson, Defne — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Bayik Watson, Defne
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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.