Federal Grant Award Summary

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) awarded a $209,177 Project Grant to The Leland Stanford Junior University beginning February 1, 2026, through January 31, 2031, under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853). This research initiative focuses on identifying and targeting the MAP4K4 kinase pathway to inhibit tumor invasion in pediatric high-grade gliomas (PHGG), which are rapidly progressive central nervous system cancers with poor survival outcomes measured in months rather than years.

The project delivers three integrated research products: (1) comprehensive genomic and epigenetic analysis of MAP4K4 variants in pediatric high-grade glioma specimens through high-throughput methylation sequencing; (2) in vitro functional studies employing both pharmacological inhibition using PF-06260933 and genetic silencing via CRISPR/CAS9 technology to assess invasion capacity in spheroid models; and (3) in vivo preclinical validation using MAP4K4 inhibitors in orthotopic mouse models to evaluate tumor cell invasion reduction and survival prolongation, with cellular specificity analysis through clearing-assisted tissue click chemistry. The research team incorporates expertise in CRISPR/CAS9 molecular pathway analysis and leverages collaborative relationships to develop potential therapeutic interventions targeting tumor invasiveness in pediatric glioma patients.