How the RET protein drives early skin cancer
Kinase Signaling in Epidermal Homeostasis and Early Neoplasia
This project looks at whether blocking a skin protein called RET with a topical medicine can help prevent early cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in people at higher risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11411738 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a protein called RET that keeps skin progenitor cells immature and is abnormally active in early cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). They will map how RET is regulated in human epidermis and how RET activity changes immune signals that let early tumors hide. The team will use lab experiments, animal models, and human skin samples to identify RET partners and test whether blocking RET restores normal cell behavior and immune recognition. They will also test topical RET inhibitors to determine if applying them to the skin can prevent cSCC formation in at-risk people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People at increased risk for cSCC—for example those with prior cSCC, extensive sun-damaged skin, or who are immunosuppressed—would be the most likely candidates for this prevention approach.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced or metastatic cSCC or skin cancers driven by unrelated molecular pathways are unlikely to benefit from a topical RET-based prevention approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, topical RET inhibitors could lower the chance of developing cSCC by stopping early cancerous changes in the skin.
How similar studies have performed: Systemic RET inhibitors have shown activity in other RET-driven cancers, but using topical RET blockers specifically to prevent cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma is a newer and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Carolyn S. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Lee, Carolyn S.
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.