Investigating how kinase signaling affects skin health and cancer development
Official title: Kinase Signaling in Epidermal Homeostasis and Early Neoplasia
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10979726 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called RET in skin cells to see how it affects skin cancer, with the goal of finding new creams that could help prevent this type of cancer for people who are at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $479,217 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA286612-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10979726 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, particularly those with a history of skin cancer or significant sun exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of skin cancer or are not at risk for developing cSCC may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of a specific protein, RET, in skin cells and its connection to cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The researchers aim to uncover how RET influences skin cell behavior and the immune environment in the skin, which could lead to new treatments. By studying the molecular mechanisms behind RET's activity, they hope to develop topical therapies that inhibit RET, potentially preventing the onset of cSCC in individuals at risk. The approach includes laboratory experiments and analysis of skin samples to gather data on RET's function and its effects on cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new topical treatments that prevent skin cancer in at-risk patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting similar pathways for cancer prevention, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Carolyn S. — Stanford University
- 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.