Galectin‑8 and how it drives melanoma growth and treatment resistance
Analysis of galectin-8 and its ligands in melanoma progression
This project looks at how a protein called galectin‑8 and its sugar partners promote melanoma growth and resistance to immunotherapy for people with metastatic melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11314556 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you participate, researchers will analyze melanoma tumor tissue and blood samples to measure galectin‑8 and related sugar markers and look for links to tumor‑initiating cells. They will study tumor cells in the lab, alter genes that control sugar patterns (like GCNT2), and measure key proteins such as NGFR/CD271 and pAKT. The team will use patient samples alongside cell and animal experiments to learn whether galectin‑8 signaling creates therapy‑resistant tumor cells. Their work aims to find blood biomarkers and molecular targets that could guide future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with melanoma—especially those with metastatic disease—who can provide tumor tissue or blood samples would be the most relevant candidates for participation.
Not a fit: Individuals without melanoma or patients seeking immediate new treatments are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this laboratory and biomarker research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could yield biomarkers to predict who will resist current therapies and identify new targets to overcome resistance in metastatic melanoma.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier laboratory studies have linked galectin‑8 and specific sugar patterns to melanoma progression and therapy resistance, but translating those findings into clinical tests or treatments is still new.
Where this research is happening
Miami, United States
- Florida International University — Miami, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dimitroff, Charles J — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Dimitroff, Charles J
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.