How a skin 'glue' protein (Desmoglein 1) affects pigment cell behavior and melanoma
Role of Desmoglein 1 in Keratinocyte-Melanocyte Communication and Melanoma
['FUNDING_R01'] · NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY · NIH-11284089
Looks at whether losing a skin adhesion protein changes how pigment cells behave and may help cause melanoma, with the goal of helping people at risk for or living with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11284089 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers will explore how a keratinocyte protein called Desmoglein 1 (Dsg1) influences nearby pigment cells (melanocytes) and whether its loss creates conditions that encourage melanoma. They will use lab-grown skin models, cultured cells, and animal models to mimic short-term and chronic loss of Dsg1 and measure changes in cell signaling, inflammation, and pigment cell behavior. The team will study contact-based and secreted (paracrine) signals between keratinocytes and melanocytes and follow stage-wise changes that could lead to transformation. Findings are intended to clarify non-genetic factors that cooperate with known melanoma mutations and point to new targets to prevent or slow tumor progression.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with a history of significant sun damage, atypical moles, or prior melanoma would be most relevant to follow-up studies or sample donation related to this work.
Not a fit: Patients with non-skin cancers or those needing immediate clinical treatment for advanced metastatic melanoma are unlikely to gain direct, near-term benefit from this laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new ways to detect, prevent, or interrupt early steps in melanoma by targeting keratinocyte–melanocyte signaling.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies showed Dsg1 loss can trigger tanning responses and inflammation, but linking chronic Dsg1 loss to melanoma development is a newer, less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GREEN, KATHLEEN JANEE — NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: GREEN, KATHLEEN JANEE
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.