Understanding how epigenetic changes drive pediatric brain tumor recurrence and how reversing them could help
Official title: Tackling tumor recurrence in pediatric brain tumors: identification of epigenetic memory and tumor microenvironment conducive to tumor recurrence in an inducible and reversible H3K27M murine model.
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11453252 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A pediatric brain cancer research project is exploring how an epigenetic change (H3K27M) and tumor environment contribute to tumor coming back, using a reversible mouse model to study potential ways to prevent recurrence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 23, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $401,115 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA308699-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11453252 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pediatric patients with H3K27-altered diffuse midline glioma could benefit from future therapies arising from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without DMG or without tumors driven by H3K27M may not directly benefit from this specific study.
What this research studies
This project uses an inducible mouse model of H3K27M-driven brain tumors to mimic recurrence. Researchers will examine gene expression changes tied to epigenetic memory and how immune and support cells in the tumor microenvironment influence return of the cancer. The study will also compare findings with patient-derived cells to understand reversibility of these epigenetic alterations. The goal is to identify mechanisms that could be targeted to prevent relapse in children with these tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal strategies to prevent tumor recurrence in pediatric DMG by targeting epigenetic memory and the tumor microenvironment.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest that epigenetic state and microenvironment interactions influence tumor behavior, with some parallel findings in related glioma models.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Galban, Stefanie — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Galban, Stefanie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Keloid recurrence study using multi-omics in diverse patients
A research effort will look at why keloids come back after surgery, especially in African American patients, using comprehensive molecular data from patient samples.
-
Combined Imaging and RNA Markers to Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence
A research project aims to use imaging and RNA data to better predict if head and neck cancer will come back, helping doctors tailor treatments for patients.
-
Oral cancer recurrence predictor using tumor microbes and gene activity
This NIH grant explores how bacteria and immune signals inside oral cancer tumors relate to whether the cancer comes back, with the aim of making a practical risk predictor for patients.
-
How air pollution affects recurrent heart events in older adults
This grant explores how air pollution, especially PM2.5, influences the recurrence and progression of heart problems in people aged 65 and older.
-
ONC206 for children with brain tumors: a first-in-children trial
A first-in-children trial will test the safety and early signs of effectiveness of ONC206, taken by mouth, in kids with malignant brain tumors like diffuse midline gliomas.
-
ONC206 for children with malignant brain tumors
A first-in-children trial tests the safety and early effectiveness of a pill that can cross the brain barrier to treat pediatric brain tumors.
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.