How two related proteins, YAP and TAZ, affect melanoma spread
The shared and distinct cistromes of YAP and TAZ in melanoma
['FUNDING_R03'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11235132
This research looks at how two related proteins, YAP and TAZ, change gene activity in melanoma and could help people with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R03'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11235132 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, the team is mapping where YAP and TAZ act in melanoma cells and comparing the genes and regulatory elements each one controls. They use genomic methods (like CUT&RUN and transcriptional/enhancer screens) in melanoma cell models to find overlapping and unique binding sites and target genes. The researchers have already identified a YAP-linked gene, ARPC5, that changes the cell skeleton and increases cell movement, and they will expand on those findings. The work aims to link specific co-factors and downstream targets to functions like growth, migration, and invasion in melanoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with melanoma, especially those with tumors that have spread or have high risk features, would be most relevant to the findings or to donate tumor samples for related follow-up studies.
Not a fit: People with non-melanoma skin cancers or melanoma cases already cured by standard treatment are less likely to benefit directly from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal specific molecular targets to slow or stop melanoma invasion and metastasis, guiding future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked YAP and TAZ to cancer progression and used genomic mapping to find useful targets, but directly comparing the YAP versus TAZ binding landscapes in melanoma is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LANG, DEBORAH — BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS
- Study coordinator: LANG, DEBORAH
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: Cancers