Investigating how AMPK affects melanoma spreading to the brain
Official title: Role of AMPK in melanoma brain metastasis
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11008933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called AMPK affects the spread of melanoma to the brain, using samples from people and mice, to help find better treatments for patients whose melanoma has advanced to that stage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $671,615 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276448-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include melanoma patients, especially those with mutations in the PRKAA2 gene or NF1 mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with melanoma that has not metastasized or those without the specific genetic mutations being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the progression of melanoma, particularly its ability to spread to the brain. Researchers will analyze genetic mutations in melanoma cells and their impact on tumor growth and metastasis using mouse models and human samples. By studying the effects of AMPKα2 loss, the team aims to uncover how this protein influences the development of brain metastases in melanoma patients. The findings could lead to new insights into treatment strategies for melanoma that has spread to the brain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment options for melanoma patients, particularly those with brain metastases.
How similar studies have gone: While the role of AMPK in cancer is being explored, this specific investigation into its effects on melanoma brain metastasis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zheng, Bin — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Zheng, Bin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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How loss of the AMPK energy sensor may help melanoma spread to the brain
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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.