Using a new drug that blocks non‑muscle myosin II to weaken glioblastoma
Generating Synthetic Lethality in Glioblastoma with a First-In-Class Non-Muscle Myosin II Inhibitor
Researchers are testing whether a brain‑penetrant drug called MT-125 that blocks non‑muscle myosin II can make glioblastoma more responsive to other cancer drugs and to radiation for people with glioblastoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Jacksonville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Jacksonville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251736 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows promising lab and mouse results showing MT-125 slows tumor growth, increases survival, and greatly boosts the effect of a targeted drug (sunitinib) and of radiation. Researchers will study how MT-125 changes tumor signaling, mitochondrial function, and reactive oxygen to explain why those combinations work so well. Most work is in cells and animal models but the team aims to define the best combinations and safety signals needed to move toward first‑in‑human trials. The focus is on finding ways to use MT-125 with existing treatments to improve outcomes for patients with aggressive brain tumors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with glioblastoma—particularly those with recurrent or treatment‑resistant tumors who may need new combination options—would be the likely candidates for eventual clinical trials.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated neurological disorders, those with low‑grade brain tumors, or patients too frail or with medical contraindications for clinical trials may not benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to new combination treatments that shrink tumors, make radiation and targeted drugs more effective, and extend survival for people with glioblastoma.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse studies of MT-125 showed substantial survival benefit alone and dramatic synergy with sunitinib and radiation, but this specific approach is novel and has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Jacksonville, United States
- Mayo Clinic Jacksonville — Jacksonville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rosenfeld, Steven S — Mayo Clinic Jacksonville
- Study coordinator: Rosenfeld, Steven S
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.