Targeting a protein to improve treatment for aggressive brain tumors
Official title: CHI3L1-targeted small molecules for glioblastoma
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-11089514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with glioblastoma by creating small molecules that target a specific protein to help the immune system fight the tumor better, and they’re testing this in animals to see if it can shrink the tumor and let more immune cells in.
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 start | May 16, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $502,588 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS136524-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11089514 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who have not responded well to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-glioblastoma brain tumors or those who are not eligible for experimental therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glioblastoma, a highly aggressive brain tumor, and aims to develop small molecules that target a specific protein called CHI3L1. By inhibiting this protein, the research seeks to alter the tumor microenvironment, making it less immunosuppressive and allowing the immune system to better attack the tumor. The approach involves using animal models to test the effectiveness of these small molecules in reducing tumor size and increasing immune cell infiltration. If successful, this could lead to new treatment options for patients with glioblastoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel therapeutic approach that enhances the effectiveness of immunotherapy for glioblastoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been various approaches to treating glioblastoma, targeting CHI3L1 represents a novel strategy that has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gabr, Moustafa — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Gabr, Moustafa
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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.