An RNA that slowed brain tumor growth in cells and mice
Original title: circNLK restrains glioblastoma malignancy by binding to hnRNP L and destabilizing RGS16.
How far along is this research?
- Lab cells
- Animals
- Review
- Tested in people
This was done in animals, not people. Most findings at this stage never become treatments.
This was only done in tumor cells and in mice.
The short version
Scientists found an RNA that slowed brain tumor growth in cells and in mice.
What was studied. Researchers looked at a circular RNA called circNLK in glioblastoma: A glioma that is given grade 4, the highest grade. It grows fast. Treatment usually starts soon after it is found. It often means surgery, then radiation and chemotherapy. See the glossary. That is a fast growing brain tumor in adults. They tested it in tumor cells and in mice with brain tumors.
What they found. glioblastoma: A glioma that is given grade 4, the highest grade. It grows fast. Treatment usually starts soon after it is found. It often means surgery, then radiation and chemotherapy. See the glossary tissue had less circNLK than brain tissue without a tumor. People whose tumors had more circNLK tended to do better. When the team added extra circNLK, tumor cells grew and moved less, and more of them died. In mice, extra circNLK slowed tumor growth and helped them live longer.
What this means, and what it doesn't
What it could mean: This gives scientists a new target to study. It may help explain why some tumors grow faster than others. For now it does not change any care you can get today.
What it doesn't mean: This is early lab and animal work. No person was treated with circNLK. We do not know if it is safe or if it helps people. Human trials have not started. It is not a cure, and it is far from everyday care.
Source: PubMed, September 22, 2026 · Read the original
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