Targeting a protein called IDH1 to treat aggressive brain tumors
Official title: Inhibition of wild-type IDH1 as a ferroptosis-inducing therapeutic approach for the treatment of malignant glioma.
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11123227 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores a new way to treat aggressive brain tumors, called malignant glioma, by blocking a specific protein to trigger cancer cell death.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $480,412 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129123-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11123227 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is focused on patients with malignant glioma, particularly those whose tumors have high levels of wild-type IDH1 protein.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of cancer or those whose glioma tumors do not overexpress wild-type IDH1 may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
Our team has found that a protein called IDH1 is often overactive in many aggressive brain tumors that lack a specific mutation. When we block this protein, either alone or with radiation, it slows down tumor growth in models using patient-derived cells. We believe that by blocking IDH1, we can make cancer cells more vulnerable to a special type of cell death called ferroptosis. This approach aims to specifically target cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new and more effective treatments for patients with aggressive malignant glioma, potentially improving outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous laboratory studies have shown that inhibiting wild-type IDH1 can slow the growth of patient-derived brain tumors, suggesting promise for this novel therapeutic strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stegh, Alexander H. — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Stegh, Alexander H.
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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.