Understanding how brain tumors invade through a special substance in the brain
Mechanisms of adhesion and invasion in hyaluronic acid matrices
This study is looking at how a substance called hyaluronic acid affects brain cells and their movement, which is important for understanding how a serious brain tumor called glioblastoma spreads, and it could help find new ways to treat this condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061903 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of hyaluronic acid (HA) in the brain, particularly how it interacts with a receptor called CD44 to influence the behavior of brain cells. By creating synthetic 3D models that mimic the brain environment, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind cell adhesion and migration, which are crucial for understanding the invasion of glioblastoma, a deadly brain tumor. The team has previously identified unique structures called microtentacles that help tumor cells invade, and they will explore how these structures function and their relationship with HA. This work could lead to new insights into brain tumor behavior and potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with glioblastoma or those at risk for brain tumors.
Not a fit: Patients with non-brain-related tumors or conditions unrelated to glioblastoma may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for glioblastoma by targeting the mechanisms of tumor invasion.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding tumor invasion mechanisms, but this specific approach using synthetic 3D matrices is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Berkeley, United States
- University of California Berkeley — Berkeley, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kumar, Sanjay — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Kumar, Sanjay
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.