Targeting the ATIC enzyme in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG)
Official title: ATIC is a novel molecular target in diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma
Funded at Emory University · NIH-11233309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are testing ways to block a metabolic enzyme called ATIC to try to slow or stop aggressive DIPG tumors in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | August 9, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $414,694 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS132884-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11233309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, particularly those whose tumors carry the H3K27M mutation, would be the likely future candidates for treatments developed from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without DIPG, those with other brain tumor types, or patients seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this preclinical research.
What this research studies
This work looks at a metabolic enzyme, ATIC, that appears increased in DIPG tumors driven by the H3K27M mutation. Scientists used metabolomics and gene data from patient-derived tumor lines to identify ATIC as a possible vulnerability. In mice, removing ATIC with genetic tools improved survival, but a single ATIC-blocking drug was not enough, so the team will test drug combinations that target purine and one‑carbon metabolism. The experiments use molecular tools and two independent DIPG mouse models built from human tumor lines to see whether these approaches reduce tumor growth and extend survival.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new combination therapies that slow DIPG growth and extend survival for affected children.
How similar studies have gone: This approach is relatively novel for DIPG—preclinical CRISPR removal of ATIC improved survival in mice, but small-molecule ATIC inhibition alone has not yet been effective and requires combination strategies.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dasgupta, Biplab — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Dasgupta, Biplab
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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.