Targeting 3D DNA switches that keep glioblastoma cells aggressive
Identifying and Targeting 3D Regulatory Nodes that Maintain Glioblastoma Programs
Researchers are looking for 3D DNA regions that let glioblastoma cells stay aggressive, aiming to find targets that could lead to better treatments for adults with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11317181 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how parts of tumor DNA fold and loop in three dimensions to keep glioblastoma cells in dangerous states. Scientists will build maps of enhancer-promoter interactions using cells taken from patients and compare them to normal neural stem cells to find tumor-specific 'hyperconnected' enhancers. They will test which of these 3D regulatory nodes control tumor programs and try to disrupt them in laboratory models. The work aims to uncover molecular targets that could eventually be turned into treatments to limit tumor plasticity and resistance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with IDH-wildtype glioblastoma who can donate tumor tissue during surgery or agree to provide clinical samples would be the ideal participants for related specimen collection.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma, pediatric patients, or those unable or unwilling to provide tumor tissue are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new molecular targets that help stop tumor cells from switching into therapy-resistant states and slow glioblastoma progression.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies mapping enhancers and 3D genome interactions in cancers have altered tumor behavior in models, but translating 3D-targeting approaches to glioblastoma patients remains early-stage and experimental.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Apostolou, Effie — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Apostolou, Effie
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.