1-methyl Nicotinamide-driven ImmunoMOdulation in glioblastoma (NIMO)

Aim:

• Identify functional effects of exogenous 1-MNA on primary human immune cells.
• Study the effects of NNMT inhibition in glioblastoma cells with respect to tumour progression and interaction with immune cells.

Background:
The enzyme NNMT is highly expressed in various cancers, but the underlying mechanisms for NNMT-mediated tumor progression remain elusive. The suggested mechanisms to date have largely focused on tumor-endogenous effects of NNMT, where its role as a methyl sink leads to hypomethylation of histones and DNA. However, recent studies have suggested that NNMT-expressing tumors modulate the activity of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. through secretion of the NNMT product 1-MNA.

Outcomes:
By identifying the modulatory effects that 1-MNA has on human immune cells, we would be able to strengthen the idea of NNMT as a future drug target in several cancers. The combined skills of ORU and Sprint Bioscience will generate a deeper understanding of how modulation of NNMT activity affects immune responses in tumors and how NNMT inhibitors could be used for cancer treatment.

Status: Ongoing

Business partner: Sprint Bioscience

The project owner is X-HiDE - Örebro University (oru.se)

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