Understanding how SOX2 works in glioblastoma brain tumors
Mechanisms of SOX2 Regulation in Glioblastoma
This research aims to understand how a key protein called SOX2 helps glioblastoma brain tumor cells grow and resist treatment, hoping to discover new ways to fight this aggressive cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145902 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Glioblastoma is a very serious brain cancer in adults that is hard to treat because tumors are so varied. A special group of cells within these tumors, called glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs), are particularly tough and can make treatments less effective and cause the cancer to come back. We know that a protein called SOX2 is very important for these GSCs to grow and spread. This project will look closely at how SOX2 works in these aggressive cells to find new weaknesses we can target.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research focuses on understanding disease mechanisms and is not directly recruiting patients for a clinical intervention at this stage.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new treatments or clinical trial participation would not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the discovery of new drug targets that specifically attack glioblastoma stem cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients with this aggressive brain cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team and others has established the critical role of SOX2 in glioblastoma stem cells, suggesting this approach builds on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kim, Albert Hong-Jae — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Kim, Albert Hong-Jae
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 below.