How losing the NF1 or SPRED1 genes affects melanoma
Defining the role of NF1 and SPRED1 loss in melanoma
['FUNDING_R37'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO · NIH-11323873
This project looks at how losing the NF1 or SPRED1 gene changes melanoma growth and responses to targeted drugs in people with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R37'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11323873 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will examine melanoma tumors and genetic data to find other MAPK-pathway changes that commonly occur with NF1 or SPRED1 loss. They will test those gene pairs in lab-grown cells and in animal models to see which combinations drive tumor growth or treatment resistance. The team will specifically study how these gene losses influence response to targeted medicines that act on the MAPK pathway. The findings aim to point toward genetic combinations that could help guide better treatment choices in the future.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with melanoma, especially those whose tumors show NF1 or SPRED1 loss or who have unclear responses to MAPK-targeted treatments, are the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without melanoma or whose tumors do not have NF1 or SPRED1 changes are unlikely to see direct benefit from this research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors match melanoma patients to targeted therapies more effectively and explain some cases of drug resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genomic and laboratory studies have linked NF1 mutations to melanoma and variable therapy responses, but systematically pairing NF1 or SPRED1 loss with other MAPK activators for treatment impact is a newer area.
Where this research is happening
SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO — SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YEH, IWEI — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO
- Study coordinator: YEH, IWEI
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.
Conditions: Cancer Genes, Cancer-Promoting Gene, Cancers