How viruses change cells to drive Merkel cell carcinoma
Identification of Novel Oncogenic Signaling Pathways using Viral Perturbations
Researchers are using differences between virus-linked and sun-damaged Merkel cell carcinomas to find cancer pathways that could guide new treatments for people with this skin cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11146627 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a fast-growing skin cancer that can be caused either by a virus (MCPyV) or by ultraviolet damage. Researchers compare virus-positive and virus-negative tumors to see which signaling pathways are switched on by viral proteins or by mutation-driven processes. They use viral perturbations, genomic sequencing, and molecular lab studies on tumor samples and models to map those pathways. The aim is to reveal new molecular targets that future therapies could block to slow or stop tumor growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma—especially those willing to provide tumor tissue or clinical data, and those known to be virus-positive or virus-negative—would be the ideal candidates to contribute.
Not a fit: People without Merkel cell carcinoma or with unrelated skin conditions are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or treatment strategies that improve outcomes for people with Merkel cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Checkpoint-blockade immunotherapy has already benefited many people with MCC and tumor sequencing has provided insights, but using viral perturbations to map oncogenic signaling is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Decaprio, James a. — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Decaprio, James a.
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.