How brain proteins affect melanoma growth
Official title: The interface of neurons and cancer
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10990056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a brain protein called TRIM9 affects the growth of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, and how the relationship between tumors and nerve cells might help us find better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $38,079 |
| NIH project number | 1F99CA294269-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma, particularly those with aggressive forms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or those without any neurological involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific brain protein, TRIM9, in the progression of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It explores how the interaction between tumors and neurons influences cancer development and behavior. By examining the cellular changes in melanoma and the effects of TRIM9 on cell movement and growth, the research aims to uncover new insights into cancer biology. Patients may benefit from understanding how their tumors interact with neural cells, potentially leading to new treatment strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic approaches for melanoma by targeting the interactions between cancer cells and neurons.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the interactions between tumors and the nervous system, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lukasik, Kimberly — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Lukasik, Kimberly
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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.