How healthy skin cells interact with potentially cancerous cells
Official title: Stem Cell Competition in Skin Homeostasis and Premalignancy
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11070886 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how healthy skin cells work together to keep our skin safe from cells that might turn into cancer, helping us find ways to catch and stop these risky cells before they can cause problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | April 18, 2025 |
| Project end | April 17, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AR085502-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11070886 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals with a family history of skin cancer or those at high risk for developing skin malignancies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with established skin cancer or those who do not have any risk factors for skin cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between healthy skin cells and those that may have the potential to become cancerous. It focuses on a process called cell competition, where more fit cells eliminate less fit ones, which can help maintain healthy skin tissue. By studying these interactions in a model of skin development, the research aims to understand how cancerous cells can be identified and restrained before they lead to tumors. This could provide insights into early prevention strategies for skin cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing skin cancer by enhancing our understanding of how to eliminate potentially harmful cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding cell competition in other contexts, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights in skin health and cancer prevention.
Where this research is happening
-
Rockefeller University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thompson, Elizabeth — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Thompson, Elizabeth
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.