NeuroD1 gene therapy inhibits glioma growth and extends life span through in vivo reprogramming approach

GBM models, including multiple GBM cell lines, patient-derived organoids, and orthotopic models in immunodeficient mice. Our findings reveal that scAAV6-NeuroD1 preferentially infects glioma cells and induces dual therapeutic effects by simultaneously inhibiting glioma cell proliferation and inducing neuronal reprogramming. Importantly, scAAV6-NeuroD1-treated mice with orthotopic GBM transplants exhibited reduced tumor burden, infiltration of T cells into the glioma, attenuated tumor-induced body weight loss, and dose-dependent survival extension. Analysis of published patient datasets further revealed that high NeuroD1 expression level correlates with improved overall survival and lower tumor malignancy grade. Together, these findings position scAAV6-NeuroD1 as a promising therapeutic candidate, potentially redefining the therapeutic landscape for GBM.