Targeting YAP-TEAD to stop glioblastoma invasion
Harnessing YAP-TEAD Activity as Anti-Invasion Therapeutic in Human Glioblastoma
This project tests a therapy that blocks the YAP-TEAD pathway to reduce tumor spread in people with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247117 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team focuses on the invasive edge of glioblastoma tumors to understand how cancer cells migrate into healthy brain. They target YAP and TAZ activity and their TEAD partners, proteins that help tumor cells move and resist treatment. In the lab they use patient-derived tumor samples and animal models to test a YAP-TEAD blocker called Verteporfin alone and together with the standard chemotherapy temozolomide. If the lab results look promising, the approach could advance toward early clinical testing at Mount Sinai or partner sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with newly diagnosed or recurrent glioblastoma, particularly those with invasive disease or tumors that are resistant to chemotherapy, would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People without glioblastoma, those with noninvasive low-grade brain tumors, or patients who cannot receive the specific drug or combination would not be expected to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could slow or block tumor invasion, lower recurrence, and help chemotherapy work better, potentially improving survival and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical lab and animal studies, including work using Verteporfin, have shown promise in reducing invasion and improving outcomes, but clinical evidence in patients is still limited.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tsankova, Nadejda Mincheva — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Tsankova, Nadejda Mincheva
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.