Glioblastoma (GBM) is a very aggressive and deadly type of brain tumor with an average survival of less than 15 months. This tumor is known for spreading quickly throughout the brain and coming back even after treatment. GBM cells trick microglia, the immune cells of the brain, into helping the tumor grow and spread. However, we don't fully understand how these interactions work. Hayden Gephart, Wernig and Bassik have engineered a 3D cell culture model to study the interactions between the GBM tumor and immune cells in vitro. With the support of the SCI Nodal Award, the investigators will identify genes involved in the interactions, and investigate how the interactions lead to disease progression and ultimately death. This novel approach will provide insight into how GBM cancer cells hijack immune cells and how we might be able to stop them from helping the tumor grow. The findings will ultimately help improve therapies for this devastating and incurable disease.
Funding Opportunities
SCI Nodal Award
March 2024