Targeting a specific protein to improve immunotherapy for brain tumors
Official title: Targeting SEC61 complex to overcome resistance to immunotherapy in GBM
Funded at Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-11047949 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called SEC61G to see if it helps glioblastoma, a tough brain tumor, resist treatments, and if targeting this protein can make immunotherapy work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Northwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $577,634 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA290737-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047949 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 current immunotherapy treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who have not been diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the SEC61 complex in glioblastoma (GBM), a challenging brain tumor that often resists immunotherapy. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, the researchers aim to identify how the SEC61G protein contributes to this resistance. The study will explore whether targeting SEC61G can enhance the effectiveness of T cell-mediated therapies in treating GBM. Patients may benefit from a better understanding of how to overcome resistance to existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for patients with glioblastoma by enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways in other cancers, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach for glioblastoma.
Where this research is happening
-
Northwestern University at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Balyasnikova, Irina V — Northwestern University at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Balyasnikova, Irina V
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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.