Targeting specific proteins in brain cancer treatment
Official title: Targeting circRNA translation in glioblastoma
Funded at Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation · NIH-11043388 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a type of brain tumor called glioblastoma and is exploring new proteins that help these tumors grow; the researchers hope to find a new treatment that could make a difference for patients by blocking these proteins.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $313,616 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA278783-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043388 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with glioblastoma who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those who are not diagnosed with glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on glioblastomas, which are aggressive brain tumors that are difficult to treat with standard therapies. The team is investigating circular RNA-derived proteins that are overexpressed in glioblastoma and contribute to tumor growth and invasiveness. They aim to understand how these proteins activate certain signaling pathways and to evaluate a new small molecule that could inhibit their function in preclinical models. Patients may benefit from potential new treatment options that target these novel mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for glioblastoma, improving survival rates and quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While targeting circular RNA in cancer treatment is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar areas, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gera, Joseph F — Greater Los Angeles Veterans Research and Education Foundation
- Study coordinator: Gera, Joseph F
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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.