Targeted study on a pediatric brain cancer subtype with specific gene mutations
Official title: Developmental Programs as Vulnerabilities in H3.3G34-Mutant High-Grade Glioma
Funded at University of Georgia · NIH-11395631 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to understand why a rare form of high-grade brain cancer in young people develops and to find new treatment targets.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Georgia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Athens, United States) |
| Project start | September 12, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $321,157 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131659-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11395631 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with this rare pediatric brain cancer subtype or those with similar genetic alterations may benefit from future targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
This basic research study does not involve currently available patient treatments and may not benefit individuals who do not have the HGG-G34 mutations.
What this research studies
This project uses a human embryonic stem cell model to introduce key mutations found in HGG-G34 brain tumors, aiming to reveal how these changes drive cancer in adolescents and young adults. Researchers will examine how H3.3G34R, ATRX, and TP53 mutations affect cell behavior and gene expression in forebrain-derived cells. The goal is to identify pathways that could be targeted with new therapies for this aggressive pediatric brain cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could uncover new therapeutic targets and inform future treatments for HGG-G34 brain tumors in young patients.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have linked these mutations to altered cell proliferation and gene expression, supporting potential for translational advances in this subtype.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Georgia
Athens, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Funato, Kosuke — University of Georgia
- Study coordinator: Funato, Kosuke
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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.