Understanding how glioblastoma brain tumors use fats and cholesterol to grow

Determining the role of lipid droplets and their therapeutic potential in glioblastoma

NIH-funded research Ohio State University · NIH-11139413

This research explores how aggressive glioblastoma brain tumor cells manage fats and cholesterol to survive and grow, hoping to find new ways to stop them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11139413 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Glioblastoma is a very aggressive brain tumor with a poor outlook for patients. We know that these tumor cells take in and make a lot of fats and cholesterol to fuel their rapid growth. However, too much fat can be harmful to cells, so we are learning how glioblastoma cells protect themselves from this damage by storing excess fats in special compartments called lipid droplets. This project aims to understand how these cells also manage cholesterol and whether disrupting their ability to handle fats and cholesterol could lead to effective new treatments.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for adult patients, 21 years or older, diagnosed with glioblastoma or other brain neoplasms.

Not a fit: Patients without glioblastoma or those who do not meet the age criteria would not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that target how glioblastoma cells handle fats and cholesterol, potentially improving treatment options for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous work has shown progress in understanding how glioblastoma cells control fat balance, but the therapeutic disruption of lipid homeostasis is a novel approach being developed.

Where this research is happening

Columbus, 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.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.