Understanding how certain brain cells maintain their growth and survival
Official title: The role of membrane homoeostasis of neural stem cell and glioma stem cells in neural development and gliomagenesis
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11097256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain brain tumor cells, called glioma stem cells, keep growing even in tough conditions, and it focuses on a protein that might help us find new ways to treat glioblastoma, the most aggressive type of brain tumor, so that patients can have better treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $417,633 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS132944-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with glioblastoma or those at risk of developing brain tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-cancerous brain conditions or those without any neurological disorders may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which glioma stem cells (GSCs) maintain their ability to grow and self-renew, particularly in challenging environments outside their normal niches. It focuses on the role of a specific protein, Quaking (QKI), which regulates important cellular processes like receptor signaling and membrane composition. By studying these processes, the research aims to uncover potential therapeutic targets that could help in treating glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain tumor. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatment strategies for brain tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that improve outcomes for patients with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting similar cellular mechanisms in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hu, Jian — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hu, Jian
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Bone marrow immune cells and glioma progression in teens and young adults
A study in adolescents and young adults with brain tumors looks at how immune cells from bone marrow may influence the progression from low-grade to high-grade gliomas.
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How RNA Splicing Might Shape Glioma Cell States and Therapy Response
A small NIH-funded project will study how alternative RNA splicing influences glioma cell identities and treatment resistance in patient-derived cells.
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Liquid biopsy for monitoring high-grade glioma using patient-specific DNA junctions
A Mayo Clinic team tests a blood test that looks for unique tumor DNA pieces in glioblastoma patients to monitor disease without frequent scans.
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Deciphering how a brain cell pH helper influences glioma growth
A study is exploring whether a brain cell pH regulator (Slc4a4) affects the growth and blood vessel changes of malignant glioma to identify new angles for treatment.
-
Predicting how gene therapy spreads in glioblastoma after surgery to improve treatment coverage
This project uses a gene therapy that helps radiation work better against glioblastoma and builds computer models to predict where the therapy reaches after surgical tumor removal.
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.