Targeting tumor fat and glutamine use in glioblastoma
Novel lipid and glutamine metabolism-based combination therapies for glioblastoma
Combining a brain‑penetrant antipsychotic that blocks tumor fat breakdown with drugs that cut off glutamine or new fat production to try to slow glioblastoma in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11256767 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at how glioblastoma tumors steal and recycle fats to fuel their growth and uses a repurposed, brain‑penetrant antipsychotic (pimozide) to block that fat breakdown. Blocking lysosomes with pimozide unexpectedly increases the tumor’s use of glutamine, so researchers are testing combinations that also block glutamine uptake or fat production. Experiments so far used laboratory cells and mice implanted with human glioblastoma tumors, showing that the drug combinations slowed tumor growth without obvious toxicity in mice. These findings are preclinical and would need clinical testing before being offered as treatments to people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults (21+) diagnosed with glioblastoma—particularly those whose tumors show high lipid or glutamine activity—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma, those with other brain tumor types, or patients whose tumors do not depend on lipid and glutamine metabolism are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could slow tumor growth and lead to treatments that prolong survival or improve symptoms for people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory and animal studies, including initial mouse tests reported here, have shown promise for metabolic targeting but these strategies have not yet been proven safe or effective in people.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- Ohio State University — Columbus, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guo, Deliang — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Guo, Deliang
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.