Extra gene copies on chromosome 1q that help melanoma spread

Chromosome 1q ceRNAs in Melanoma Progression and Metastasis

NIH-funded research H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-11212185

This work looks at how extra copies of certain genes on chromosome 1q let melanoma cells grow and spread, which could help people with melanoma.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project IDNIH-11212185 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would be helping researchers who are studying how gains of chromosome 1q—found in many melanomas—lead to higher levels of certain RNAs that act like 'sponges' for tumor-suppressing microRNAs. The team will focus on genes such as CEP170, NUCKS1, and ZC3H11A and test their effects in lab-grown melanoma cells and in animal models. They will also analyze tumor DNA and RNA to see how common these 1q copy number gains are in patients and whether they link to metastasis. If blocking these RNA interactions slows cancer spread in models, the findings could point to new targets for future therapies or tests.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with melanoma—especially those with advanced or metastatic tumors or tumors that show extra copies of chromosome 1q—would be most relevant for participation.

Not a fit: People without melanoma or with early-stage melanoma that lacks 1q copy number gains may not directly benefit from this work.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could identify new targets to stop or slow melanoma metastasis and guide development of future treatments.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that ceRNA interactions and microRNA 'sponging' can promote cancer, but applying this idea specifically to 1q gains in melanoma is a newer, developing area.

Where this research is happening

Tampa, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Cancers
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.