Targeting a specific protein in brain cancer cells to improve treatment
Official title: Therapeutic Targeting of WDR5 in the Glioblastoma Perivascular Niche
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-11145169 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called WDR5 in glioblastoma, a tough type of brain cancer, to see how it affects different parts of the tumor and how those areas respond to treatments, with the hope of finding better ways to help patients fight this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $456,585 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126253-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145169 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches targeting their specific tumor microenvironment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not receive benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, by investigating the role of a protein called WDR5 in the tumor's unique environment. The researchers have developed patient-derived organoids that mimic the complex microenvironments of glioblastoma, allowing them to study how different areas of the tumor behave and respond to therapies. By understanding the biology of glioblastoma stem cells within these niches, the goal is to identify new therapeutic strategies that can more effectively target the cancer. This approach aims to create niche-specific treatments that could lead to better outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for glioblastoma, potentially improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting specific proteins in cancer treatment is a common approach, this research utilizes a novel method of patient-derived organoids to study glioblastoma, making it a unique and potentially groundbreaking investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hubert, Christopher G — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Hubert, Christopher G
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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.