Finding a new way to prevent melanoma caused by UV damage
Official title: Identification of a novel tumor suppressor of melanoma and UV-induced genome instability
Funded at Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci · NIH-11043785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how UV light can harm our DNA and lead to melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and it aims to find new ways to help our bodies repair that damage, especially for people with certain genetic changes in their tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (North Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | March 20, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $236,850 |
| NIH project number | 7R21ES034636-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk for melanoma or those with early-stage melanoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced melanoma who have already undergone extensive treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how UV light causes DNA damage that leads to melanoma, a common skin cancer. It focuses on understanding the mechanisms that maintain genome stability and how cells can recover from DNA damage caused by UV exposure. By studying the processes that stabilize stalled DNA replication, the research aims to identify potential new treatments for melanoma, particularly for tumors with specific genetic mutations. The findings could lead to innovative therapies that enhance the body's ability to repair DNA and combat cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies for melanoma that improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding DNA repair mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
North Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chai, Weihang — Rosalind Franklin Univ of Medicine & Sci
- Study coordinator: Chai, Weihang
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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.