Targeting specific cells in childhood brain tumors to improve treatment outcomes
Official title: Selective targeting of ependymoma progenitor cells via BMI1 inhibition
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10831094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called BMI1 in children with ependymoma, a type of brain tumor, to find better ways to treat this cancer and help kids have better outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 20, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $181,741 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA280148-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10831094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-11 years who have been diagnosed with ependymoma or related brain tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those outside the specified age range may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on ependymoma, a type of brain tumor that affects children and has not seen significant treatment advancements in over 30 years. The team is investigating the role of a protein called BMI1, which is found in high levels in certain tumor cells, to understand how it contributes to tumor growth and survival. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, they aim to identify and target these specific tumor cells to develop more effective therapies. The ultimate goal is to improve treatment options and outcomes for children diagnosed with this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies that significantly improve survival rates and quality of life for children with ependymoma.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting specific tumor cell populations is gaining traction, this particular investigation into BMI1 in ependymoma is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Vibhakar, Rajeev — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Vibhakar, Rajeev
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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.