Targeting epigenetic changes in IDH‑mutant, ATRX‑loss adult astrocytoma
Official title: Targeting oncogenic epigenetic mechanisms in IDHmut/ATRXloss Astrocytoma
Funded at Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger · NIH-11290314 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are working to help the immune system better recognize and attack adult astrocytoma tumors that have IDH mutations and ATRX loss.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $339,878 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS135208-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11290314 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with lower‑grade (WHO II/III) astrocytoma carrying IDH mutations and ATRX loss (often with p53 mutations) would be the most relevant patient group for this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without the IDH‑mutant/ATRX‑loss molecular profile, pediatric patients, or those with unrelated brain tumor types are unlikely to directly benefit from these specific findings.
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team will study why adult IDH‑mutant/ATRX‑loss astrocytoma cells hide from the immune system by examining tumor tissue, 3‑D lab models, and related preclinical models. They will look at how these tumor cells lower antigen presentation, become less responsive to interferon‑gamma signals, and up‑regulate checkpoint molecules that block immune attack. Using those findings, the researchers plan to test laboratory strategies to restore antigen presentation and immune sensitivity and to combine those strategies with emerging immunotherapies. The goal is to find approaches that could be moved toward clinical testing to make these tumors more treatable and delay progression to higher‑grade glioma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new immunotherapy approaches that make IDH‑mutant/ATRX‑loss astrocytomas more responsive to immune attack and slow progression to more aggressive tumors.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies have shown that IDH‑mutant gliomas have immune‑suppressive features and some preclinical epigenetic or immune‑modulating approaches show promise, but effective immunotherapy for this subtype remains largely unproven in patients.
Where this research is happening
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Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Li, Yunqing — Hugo W. Moser Res Inst Kennedy Krieger
- Study coordinator: Li, Yunqing
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Advanced brain MRI to understand thinking and memory in low-grade astrocytoma
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Targeting tumor metabolism in IDH‑mutant grade 4 astrocytoma
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Understanding how certain brain tumors evade the immune system
This study is looking at how certain brain tumors called astrocytomas, which often affect younger adults, can avoid being attacked by the immune system, and it aims to find new ways to make treatments work better by understanding how these tumors interact with immune cells.
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Targeting metabolic weaknesses in a type of brain tumor called IDH-mutant astrocytoma.
This study is looking for new ways to treat a type of brain tumor called IDH-mutant grade 4 astrocytomas by testing a special drug that targets the tumor's unique weaknesses, with the hope of killing the cancer cells while keeping healthy cells safe.
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Evaluating cognitive function in patients with lower grade astrocytomas using advanced brain imaging techniques.
This study is looking at how special brain scans can help us understand how lower grade astrocytomas affect thinking and memory in patients, with the hope of finding ways to improve their quality of life and support those who might struggle with cognitive issues.
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Investigating a new treatment for recurrent brain tumors using a viral vector and a prodrug.
This study is looking at a new treatment for people with tough brain tumors called glioblastoma or anaplastic astrocytoma, using a special combination of therapies to see if it can help them live longer and fight their tumors better.
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.