Targeting BRG1 to Make GBM more responsive to therapy
Official title: Therapeutic targeting of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeler to regulate GBM chemosensitivity
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11357623 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at making glioblastoma tumors more sensitive to standard treatments by blocking a key chromatin regulator called BRG1.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $517,060 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA281977-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11357623 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with glioblastoma or related GBM conditions who are candidates for approved alkylating chemotherapies may benefit from future translational efforts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not rely on BRG1 pathways or who cannot receive temozolomide may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on glioblastoma, a deadly brain cancer, and how cancer stem cells in tumors resist therapy. It studies BRG1, a BRG1 bromodomain inhibitor, and how it can reduce stemness and boost the effectiveness of existing drugs like temozolomide. The work includes testing next-generation inhibitors that overcome resistance and examining how these drugs may also boost the body’s immune response against the tumor. If successful, it could lead to combination therapies that improve survival and quality of life for GBM patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could make GBM tumors more responsive to standard treatments and potentially enhance anti-tumor immunity.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests BRG1 inhibition can reduce cancer stem cell traits and increase drug sensitivity in GBM models, supporting potential benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pfeffer, Lawrence Marc — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Pfeffer, Lawrence Marc
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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.