Research currently funded by the National Brain Tumor Society is described below. The systems biology and pediatric grants began in 2011.
The organization is also involved in a number of collaboratively funded research initiatives. For general information on initiatives, visit Funding Opportunities.
Grant Recipients
Systems Biology
Markus Bredel, MD, PhD
University of Alabama, Birmingham
Integrated pharmacogenomic/pharmacokinomic approach to optimize GBM therapy The multidisciplinary team will address two challenges in developing novel glioma therapies: targeting tumors with focused personalized treatments and recurrence. New algorithms will be designed to create a glioma specific network that informs effective therapeutic strategies.
Matched to the Billy Grey Chair in Systems Biology
James M. Gallo, PhD
Mount Sinai School of Medicine
Systems approach to overcome brain tumor resistance to molecularly targeted anticancer drugs
The study will build networks to identify the multiple mechanisms behind drug resistance. The pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of drugs will be connected to the networks to create models for new multidrug treatment strategies.
Matched to the Jacqueline Oswold Chair in Systems Biology
Santosh Kesari, MD, PhD
University of California, San Diego
Development of an in silico systems biology approach to personalizing GBM therapy
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are believed to be the culprits behind GBM’s resistance to therapy. This team will apply a Systems Biology approach to genetically characterize CSCs and predict which cancer drugs would provide a positive treatment response for our patients.
Matched to the James Ronan Family Chair in Systems Biology
Anna M. Krichevsky, PhD
Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Systemic analysis of microRNA signaling pathways and survival of glioblastoma patients
MiRNAs are linked to GBM growth and invasiveness. Utilizing the The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset, a computational approach will be developed to identify combinations of miRNAs that should be targeted for glioma combination therapies.
Matched to the Hamill Family Chair in Systems Biology
Ingo Mellinghoff, MD
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
A systems approach to develop PET imaging radiotracers for IDH1 mutant glioma
A team of investigators from academia and industry will develop a radiotracer that can image the metabolic changes associated with IDH1 mutations in gliomas. The radiotracers will ultimately provide a noninvasive measure to determine if IDH1inhibitors are successfully delivered to the tumors.
Matched to the Barry and Caren Glassman Chair in Systems Biology
Brent A. Reynolds, PhD
University of Florida
The edge of chaos: Application of complex adaptive system approach to managing tumor populations
Adaptation of tumors to treatment is the hallmark of their survival. The team will apply models used to understand other Complex Adaptive Systems to better comprehend tumor biology and determine how to interfere with the complex interplay that allows tumor cells to adapt and resist current treatments.
Matched to the BethAnn Telford Chair in Systems Biology
Pediatric Research
These three grants were originally awarded in 2011 for an expected period of three years.
Robert Wechsler-Reya, PhD
Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, La Jolla, CA
Genetic targeting of cerebellar stem cells to study development and tumorigenesis
The most aggressive subtype of medulloblastoma occurs in tumors that have increased expression of the MYC oncogene. In this research, the Wechsler-Reya laboratory will build on previous research that suggests that stem cells can give rise to MYC-driven medulloblastoma. The researchers will create and study mouse models that allow targeting of genes to stem cells and then follow the course of normal stem cells and generate models of MYC-driven medulloblastoma. The goal is to discover potential new treatments based on an understanding of the tumor cells of origin.
Matched to the Rachel Molly Markoff Chair of Research
Alexandra Joyner, PhD
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
Identification of genes and cell behaviors regulated by Shh/Gli2 signaling in the cell of origin of a major subtype of medulloblastoma using novel genetic tools in mouse
Medulloblastoma, the most common brain tumor in children, occurs in multiple molecular subtypes. A process called hedgehog signaling (named after the hedgehog gene Hh) is elevated in tumor subtypes that arise from cerebellar granule cell progenitors (GCPs). In this research, the Joyner laboratory will investigate how altering the level of signaling in GCPs in genetically engineered mice alter GCP behaviors. The goal is to discover novel signaling pathways that are important for normal cerebellum development.
Matched to the Billy Grey Chair of Research
Joseph Scafidi, DO
Children's Research Institute, Washington, DC
The effects of molecularly targeted therapies on the developing neurogenic niches
Although recent treatment compounds have shown promise in decreasing the burden of pediatric brain tumors, the compounds also affect the developmental pathways of a normal developing brain, and long-term effects are unknown. In this study, the Scafidi laboratory will assess the cellular and functional effects of compounds in rodents at various developmental ages, and whether and rehabilitation efforts after treatment can induce brain plasticity and address the deficits associated with treatment.
Matched to the Kayla Wenger Chair of Research
Innovation Research Grants
This grant was awarded in 2012 for an expected period of two years.
David H. Gutman, MD, PhD
Washington University School of Medicine
KIAA1549:BRAF genetically-engineered mice for pediatric glioma-targeted therapeutic drug discovery and evaluation
One of the most common brain tumors in children is the pilocytic astrocytoma. This tumor is often caused by either genomic rearrangement of the BRAF gene (sporadic) or the inactivation of the NF1 tumor suppressor gene (inherited) that, when mutated, causes neurofibromatosis type 1. For this research project, the Gutmann laboratory will conduct experiments using advanced systems biology bioinformatics to identify potential biological treatment targets for both sporadic and inherited pilocytic astrocytoma.
