Targeting a specific enzyme to treat a common childhood brain tumor.
Official title: Targeting the RNA modifying enzyme ALKBH5 in Medulloblastoma
Funded at University of Texas Hlth Science Center · NIH-10852974 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific enzyme called ALKBH5 to see how it helps medulloblastoma, a common and serious brain tumor in kids, grow and spread, with the hope of finding new, safer treatments for young patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Hlth Science Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $172,098 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA277164-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10852974 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with high-risk medulloblastoma who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with low-risk medulloblastoma or those who have already received extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on medulloblastoma, the most prevalent malignant brain tumor in children, which often leads to severe health complications and poor survival rates. The study investigates the role of the RNA modifying enzyme ALKBH5 in the growth and progression of these tumors. By understanding how ALKBH5 supports cancer stem cells in medulloblastoma, researchers aim to develop new therapeutic strategies that could be less toxic than current treatments. The approach involves depleting ALKBH5 in medulloblastoma cell lines to observe the effects on tumor growth and migration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective treatments for children with medulloblastoma, improving survival rates and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Hlth Science Center
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Subbarayalu, Panneerdoss — University of Texas Hlth Science Center
- Study coordinator: Subbarayalu, Panneerdoss
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Overcoming medulloblastoma resistance in kids using in vivo perturb-seq and preclinical therapies
A patient-focused study aiming to find new, less toxic ways to treat pediatric medulloblastoma by using advanced genetic screening to identify effective drug targets in preclinical models.
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A study explores how disruption of a core gene complex in brain development may drive Group 4 medulloblastoma and seeks to understand new ways to help affected children.
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.