Understanding how metabolic changes influence the development of brain tumors.
Official title: Defining mechanisms of metabolic-epigenetic crosstalk that drive glioma initiation
Funded at Ut Southwestern Medical Center · NIH-10817068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in metabolism, particularly a substance called (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate, might help start gliomas, a type of brain cancer, and it aims to find new ways to treat this condition by examining brain cells from both mice and humans.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ut Southwestern Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Dallas, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $124,200 |
| NIH project number | 5K99CA277576-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10817068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with gliomas or those at high risk for developing brain tumors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of brain tumors or those without any brain cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which metabolic changes, specifically involving the oncometabolite (R)-2-hydroxyglutarate, contribute to the initiation of gliomas, a type of brain cancer. Using advanced techniques like RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing, the study aims to uncover how these metabolic alterations affect gene expression and chromatin structure in brain cells. By analyzing both genetically engineered mouse models and human glioma samples, the research seeks to identify critical pathways that lead to tumor formation. This could provide insights into potential therapeutic targets for glioma treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating gliomas, improving outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic influences on cancer, making this approach both relevant and potentially impactful.
Where this research is happening
-
Ut Southwestern Medical Center
Dallas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiao, Yi — Ut Southwestern Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Xiao, Yi
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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.