How mitochondria control early melanoma cell aging
The Oncogene Activated Mitochondrial Unfolded Protein Response Regulates Senescence Biology
['FUNDING_R01'] · ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI · NIH-11321220
This project looks at how changes in mitochondria caused by common melanoma mutations make skin pigment cells stop dividing, which could help stop tumors before they form.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11321220 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team focuses on melanoma and on mutations like BRAF V600E and NRAS that often appear in pre‑cancerous skin cells. They combine experiments in lab-grown human melanocytes, analysis of patient tumor gene data and tissue samples, and animal models to follow how the mitochondrial unfolded protein response affects cell senescence and survival. By pinpointing molecular signals that enforce or break senescence, researchers hope to reveal targets that keep pre-malignant cells harmless or make cancers more treatable. Most work uses human-derived cells and patient datasets, so findings aim to be directly relevant to people with or at risk for melanoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with melanoma or with atypical/dysplastic moles who can donate tissue, blood, or medical records for research.
Not a fit: Patients without melanoma, without the specific oncogene mutations studied, or those needing immediate clinical therapy are unlikely to get direct benefit from this basic-research project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to prevent melanoma from developing or to improve treatments by keeping dangerous cells in a non-growing state.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown links between BRAF/NRAS signaling and mitochondrial behavior, but targeting the mitochondrial unfolded protein response in humans is relatively new and not yet proven clinically.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHIPUK, JERRY EDWARD — ICAHN SCHOOL OF MEDICINE AT MOUNT SINAI
- Study coordinator: CHIPUK, JERRY EDWARD
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