How cells around melanoma tumors help early spread
Project 2: Contribution of the Stromal Microenvironment to Early Dissemination
Researchers are looking at how the supporting cells and environment around melanoma tumors change and help some cancer cells spread early, to guide better treatments for people with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11143051 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse models that closely mimic human melanoma and lets scientists turn specific genes on or off in tumor cells or nearby fibroblast cells. They will profile the different types of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and measure changes in gene activity and chromatin (including ATAC‑seq) to map how tumor and stromal signals create distinct fibroblast states. By linking specific fibroblast types or signals to early tumor cell dissemination, the team hopes to identify markers or pathways that promote metastasis. Although the core work is in mice and lab samples, results could point to targets for future patient tests or therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with early-stage or recently diagnosed melanoma, or those at high risk for metastatic recurrence, would be the most likely candidates to benefit from future trials or tests based on this work.
Not a fit: Patients without melanoma or those with very advanced, widely metastatic disease may not see direct benefit from this preclinical, mouse-focused research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal fibroblast-related markers or targets that help predict or block early melanoma spread, paving the way for new diagnostic tests or treatments.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies in pancreatic and other cancers have shown distinct fibroblast subtypes can help or hinder tumors, but translating those findings into melanoma-focused patient tests or therapies remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ito, Mayumi — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Ito, Mayumi
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.