Targeting epigenetic changes in IDH‑mutant, ATRX‑loss adult astrocytoma
Targeting oncogenic epigenetic mechanisms in IDHmut/ATRXloss Astrocytoma
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 ID | NIH-11290314 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Baltimore, United States
- 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
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 below.