How melanoma cells change to start and keep growing
States and transitions in the initiation and maintenance of melanoma
Mapping how melanoma cells switch states to help people with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11306064 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use genetically engineered mouse models that mimic human melanoma to watch how only some cells go on to form tumors. They will profile individual cells with single-cell RNA sequencing and apply new computational methods to define distinct cell states and the chances that cells switch between them. The team will compare models with different combinations of cancer-driving mutations to see how genetics and random, non-genetic changes combine to start and sustain tumors. Insights aim to reveal the early cellular events that allow melanoma to begin and persist.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant does not appear to enroll patients directly, but people with cutaneous melanoma or those at high risk for melanoma would be the types of patients who might benefit from related future clinical efforts.
Not a fit: People seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to benefit directly since this is preclinical research using mouse models and laboratory profiling rather than a therapeutic trial.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify cellular behaviors or states that become targets for new ways to prevent or treat melanoma.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies using mouse models and single-cell profiling have revealed cellular diversity in melanoma, but translating these insights into proven patient therapies remains early and ongoing.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ganesan, Anand K — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Ganesan, Anand K
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.