Epigenetic regulators shaping melanoma cell diversity and spread
Official title: Defining epigenetic regulators of tumor heterogeneity and metastasis in melanoma
Funded at New York University School of Medicine · NIH-11334323 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study at NYU School of Medicine looks at how changes in gene regulation inside melanoma cells might drive varied cell states and help cancer spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $514,655 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA274100-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11334323 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with cutaneous melanoma, including those with metastatic disease, whose tumor samples or data could contribute to understanding NR2F2-isoform 2’s role.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose tumors do not express the NR2F2-isoform 2 pathway or who are not eligible for sample studies may not benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will analyze DNA methylation patterns in primary and metastatic melanoma samples from patients to understand how epigenetic changes reawaken a neural crest-like NR2F2-isoform 2 that may promote metastasis. They will test how this isoform alters gene networks related to cell state changes and movement, and whether it drives the emergence of metastatic cells. The work combines patient tumor data with functional tests to see if blocking or altering NR2F2-isoform 2 could limit metastatic potential. The goal is to identify mechanisms behind tumor cell plasticity that could become targets for preventing spread in melanoma patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could reveal new targets to prevent or reduce metastasis in melanoma and improve patient prognosis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests NR2F2-related pathways influence neural crest traits and metastasis, supporting potential for meaningful findings in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
New York University School of Medicine
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hernando, Eva — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hernando, Eva
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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.