NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Exploring how epigenetic changes affect skin cancer development

Official title: Harnessing epigenetic therapy for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma by targeting histone H3K9 methylation

Funded at Minneapolis VA Medical Center · NIH-10927704 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a specific gene might affect the development of skin cancer, especially in military personnel who are often exposed to the sun, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this common condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMinneapolis VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project startNovember 1, 2024
Project endOctober 31, 2028
Funding year2025
NIH project number1I01BX006311-01A1
Project IDNIH-10927704 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a history of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with significant UV exposure.

Less likely to help

Patients with other types of skin cancer or those without a history of UV exposure may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), a common skin cancer that particularly affects military personnel due to high UV exposure. The study aims to understand the role of the hairless gene in regulating epigenetic changes that may contribute to SCC development. By investigating how this gene influences histone methylation, the research seeks to uncover new mechanisms behind SCC growth and potentially identify novel therapeutic targets. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to improved treatment options for SCC.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that more effectively target cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding epigenetic mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Minneapolis VA Medical Center
    Minneapolis, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Goldfarb, Noah I — Minneapolis VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Goldfarb, Noah I

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Genomic map of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and its earliest genetic changes

    This project looks at the genes involved in a common skin cancer (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) to understand what mutations drive its growth and how it evolves from benign skin lesions.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11398277

  • Genetic landscape and evolution of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma

    Researchers will look at DNA changes in skin squamous cell carcinoma and in nearby precursor lesions to find mutations that drive the cancer.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11136374

  • Understanding Twist1 to Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer

    This work explores how a protein called Twist1 contributes to squamous cell skin cancer and aims to find new ways to stop or treat this disease.

    NIH research University of Texas at Austin · Austin, United States · NIH-11092757

  • Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer

    This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, by comparing cancerous spots with their non-cancerous beginnings, to help find better ways to catch and treat this cancer early for patients like you.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-11064287

  • Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer

    This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can turn a harmless skin condition into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat it.

    NIH research University of California, San Francisco · San Francisco, United States · NIH-10914884

  • Investigating T cells that target specific cancer proteins in skin cancer

    This study is looking at how certain immune cells can help fight a common skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), using a mouse model to learn how to make treatments that boost the immune system even better for patients.

    NIH research University of Arizona · Tucson, United States · NIH-10899423

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.