Sialylation and brain tumor cell growth in glioblastoma
Official title: Sialylation in the Maintenance and Metabolic Plasticity of Neural Stem Cell-Like Brain Tumor Cells
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11384447 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research asks how a sugar modification on proteins (sialylation) affects brain tumor cells in adults, especially glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $485,329 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS127424-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384447 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with glioblastoma or other brain tumors, and researchers studying brain tumor biology.
✕Less likely to help
People without brain tumors or those not involved in research activities related to ST6Gal1 and sialylation will not benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how a2,6 sialylation by the enzyme ST6Gal1 influences brain tumor cell survival, invasion, and stem-like maintenance. They will identify which proteins carry this modification in glioblastoma cells and how it changes their behavior and metabolism. The work combines laboratory experiments with analyses of human tumor samples to map ST6Gal1-related pathways that support tumor growth. Understanding these processes could reveal new targets for therapies aimed at stopping tumor progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could uncover new molecular targets to slow or stop glioblastoma growth and improve treatment options.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest a pro-tumor role for a2,6 sialylation in glioblastoma, indicating potential for translation to therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hjelmeland, Anita Borton — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Hjelmeland, Anita Borton
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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.