How GTP production inside melanoma cells helps tumors invade and spread to the brain
The role of regulation and subcellular localization of GTP biosynthesis in melanoma invasion and metastasis
This project looks at whether where and how melanoma cells make GTP helps them move and form dangerous brain metastases for people with advanced melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137641 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will map where GTP is produced inside melanoma cells and measure local free GTP levels. They will study how those local GTP pools change activation of RAC1 and other RHO-GTPases that drive cell movement using cell lines, patient-derived tumor samples, and models of brain metastasis. The team will manipulate GTP-producing enzymes to see if this reduces invasion and metastatic behavior. Findings will be compared with human tumor samples to link the lab results to patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with advanced or metastatic melanoma, especially those with or at high risk for brain metastases, would be most relevant to the findings or for donating tumor samples.
Not a fit: Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or early-stage melanoma unlikely to metastasize may not directly benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to block melanoma invasion and reduce the risk of brain metastases.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies from this team showed local GTP pools can control RAC1 activation, but applying this mechanism specifically to melanoma invasion and brain metastasis is a newer direction.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nikiforov, Mikhail — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Nikiforov, Mikhail
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.