Stopping harmful circular RNA-made proteins in glioblastoma
Targeting circRNA translation in glioblastoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · GREATER LOS ANGELES VETERANS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION · NIH-11283941
This project tests a new small-molecule treatment that blocks abnormal proteins made from circular RNA to slow glioblastoma growth in adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | GREATER LOS ANGELES VETERANS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11283941 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers have found that some circular RNAs make proteins that help glioblastoma tumors grow and invade surrounding brain tissue. The team will work to understand how those circular RNAs activate the c-MET growth pathway and how PKA/PTBP1 signaling controls their production. They will test a novel small molecule that blocks IRES-dependent translation of these circular RNAs in patient-derived tumor models implanted in the brain of mice. The researchers will also chemically modify the compound to try to improve its anti-glioblastoma activity before any human testing.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with glioblastoma, especially those able to donate tumor tissue or whose tumors show c-MET activation, would be the most relevant candidates for future trials arising from this research.
Not a fit: People looking for an immediate treatment or patients with non-glioblastoma brain conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a new targeted therapy that slows tumor growth and invasion in people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Targeting proteins produced from circular RNAs is a fairly new approach with limited clinical precedent, while past single-agent drugs against RTK drivers like EGFR or c-MET have generally not provided durable benefit in glioblastoma.
Where this research is happening
LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES
- GREATER LOS ANGELES VETERANS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION — LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GERA, JOSEPH F — GREATER LOS ANGELES VETERANS RESEARCH AND EDUCATION FOUNDATION
- Study coordinator: GERA, JOSEPH F
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, Cancers