Understanding how certain brain tumors grow and how to target them
Official title: MECHANISMS OF POL II ELONGATION IN DIFFUSE MIDLINE GLIOMA
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11016994 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in proteins can help aggressive brain tumors called diffuse midline gliomas grow, and it aims to find new ways to treat these tumors to help patients live longer and healthier lives.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $419,551 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS129860-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016994 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with diffuse midline gliomas, both pediatric and adult populations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those without the specific histone mutations associated with DMGs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on diffuse midline gliomas (DMGs), aggressive brain tumors that affect both children and adults. It investigates the role of specific mutations in histone proteins that disrupt normal gene transcription, contributing to tumor growth. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR, the study aims to identify key molecular pathways involved in these tumors, which could lead to new treatment strategies. The ultimate goal is to find effective therapies that can improve survival rates for patients with DMGs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that significantly improve survival rates for patients with diffuse midline gliomas.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been initial studies targeting transcriptional dysregulation in brain tumors, this research aims to explore novel pathways that have not yet been fully tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Anastas, Jamie N. — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Anastas, Jamie N.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Next‑gen oncolytic virus therapy for glioblastoma targeting AKT and ERK
A new cancer therapy using an engineered oncolytic virus to fight glioblastoma by blocking AKT/ERK signals and boosting the body’s immune response, with potential to reduce seizures and improve quality of life.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.