Blocking the Gq signaling pathway in uveal (eye) melanoma
Targeting Gq pathway in uveal melanoma
This research looks at drugs and gene-targeting approaches that block the Gq signaling pathway to try to stop uveal (eye) melanoma growth, especially for patients whose tumors have GNAQ or GNA11 changes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178548 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Uveal melanoma is driven in most patients by mutations that turn on the Gq signaling pathway, and this project focuses on ways to block that pathway. Researchers will use tumor samples, lab-grown tumor cells, and animal models to study why single drugs against Gq or PKC work in the lab but fail in liver metastases. They will use CRISPR and other genetic tools to find genes and pathways that cause resistance and then test drug combinations that might overcome that resistance. The goal is to identify treatment approaches that could be moved toward clinical testing for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with uveal (eye) melanoma—particularly those whose tumors have GNAQ or GNA11 mutations or who have liver metastases and have limited options from current treatments.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors do not involve the Gq pathway mutations or who need an immediate approved therapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this preclinical-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targeted treatments or drug combinations that slow or stop metastatic uveal melanoma and improve survival.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory studies show GNAQ/11 and PKC inhibitors can block uveal melanoma cell growth in dishes, but these approaches have not yet produced strong clinical benefits in patients with liver metastases.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xu — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xu
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.