Investigating how sex hormones affect DNA repair in skin cells
Official title: A role of balanced sex hormone in DNA repair in human melanocytes
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-10666307 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how hormones like testosterone and estradiol help skin cells heal from damage caused by UV rays, and it's for people interested in understanding how these hormones might help prevent melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $423,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES034142-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10666307 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation include adult males and females who are interested in understanding their risk for melanoma and the role of hormones in skin health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not adults or those with pre-existing severe skin conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of sex hormones, particularly testosterone and estradiol, in the repair of DNA damage caused by ultraviolet radiation in human skin cells called melanocytes. By conducting both in vitro and in vivo experiments, the study aims to understand how different levels of these hormones influence the ability of skin cells to recover from DNA damage. Participants will have their skin exposed to UV radiation, and the effects of hormone application will be monitored to assess DNA repair mechanisms. The findings could lead to new prevention strategies for melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative prevention strategies for melanoma by leveraging hormonal influences on DNA repair.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that hormonal levels can influence cancer risk and DNA repair, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu-Smith, Feng — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Liu-Smith, Feng
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.