How skin cells balance growth with cancer genes to stay healthy
Differentiation balances oncogene-driven proliferation to maintain epidermal homeostasis
This work explores how skin cells manage to stay healthy even when they have genetic changes that could lead to cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11109646 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our skin constantly renews itself, and this project looks at how skin stem cells decide whether to make more copies of themselves or to become specialized skin cells. We are particularly interested in what happens when these stem cells develop genetic changes that could cause cancer. The goal is to understand how the skin's natural processes prevent these changed cells from growing out of control and causing disease. This knowledge could help us find new ways to prevent or treat skin cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients, but future studies building on this work may seek individuals with a history of skin cancer or those at high risk.
Not a fit: Patients not interested in the basic biological mechanisms of skin health and cancer development may not find direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how skin cancer develops and potentially new strategies for prevention or early intervention.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms are still being uncovered, other studies have shown the importance of cell differentiation in controlling abnormal cell growth.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Beronja, Slobodan — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Beronja, Slobodan
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.