Understanding how certain brain tumors depend on a specific metabolic pathway for survival

Dissecting Mechanisms of Pyrimidine Synthesis Dependence in IDH Mutant Glioma

['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP'] · UT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11083030

This study is looking at how certain changes in genes affect lower-grade brain tumors and how these changes make the tumors depend on a specific process to survive, with the goal of finding new treatment options for patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_FELLOWSHIP']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUT SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded)
Locations1 site (DALLAS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11083030 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of IDH mutations in lower-grade gliomas, a type of brain tumor, and how these mutations create a reliance on a specific pathway for producing pyrimidine nucleotides, which are essential for cell survival. By profiling the metabolism of patient-derived glioma stem-like cells, the research aims to uncover the mechanisms behind this dependence and identify potential new therapeutic targets. The approach involves treating these cells with inhibitors and analyzing their metabolic responses to better understand the vulnerabilities of IDH mutant gliomas.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with lower-grade gliomas that have IDH mutations.

Not a fit: Patients with gliomas that do not have IDH mutations may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that specifically target the metabolic vulnerabilities of IDH mutant gliomas, potentially improving outcomes for patients with these tumors.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeting metabolic pathways in cancer cells can lead to successful therapeutic strategies, suggesting that this approach may also yield promising results.

Where this research is happening

DALLAS, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.