Brain-linked proteins that shape neurons and influence melanoma spread
Coordinated Cytoskeletal Dynamics and Membrane Remodeling in Cellular Shape Change
This work is learning how two brain-enriched proteins, TRIM9 and TRIM67, change cell shape in nerve cells and melanoma to better understand brain development and how melanoma moves.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11261128 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using lab experiments on nerve cells and melanoma cells to see how TRIM9 and TRIM67 control the cell skeleton and membrane behavior. They focus on a type of protein tagging called nondegradative ubiquitination and how that affects rapid, reversible changes in cell shape. The team combines molecular studies, high-resolution cell imaging, and preclinical models to connect molecular mechanisms to cell movement and metastatic behavior. The aim is to reveal mechanisms that could point to new drug targets to slow melanoma spread or improve understanding of neurodevelopmental processes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with melanoma, particularly those willing to donate tumor samples or take part in related clinical or translational studies, would be most directly connected to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with cancers unrelated to melanoma or those seeking immediate changes in their clinical care are unlikely to see direct benefits from this basic, lab-focused program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new molecular targets to help stop melanoma cells from spreading and suggest pathways relevant to brain development disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier laboratory studies support roles for TRIM9 and TRIM67 in neuron and cancer cell behavior, but targeting nondegradative ubiquitination is a newer, largely preclinical approach.
Where this research is happening
Chapel Hill, United States
- Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill — Chapel Hill, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gupton, Stephanie — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Gupton, Stephanie
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.