Investigating how UV radiation affects skin cells and their protective responses
Official title: SWI/SNF in ultraviolet radiation-induced chromatin alterations
Funded at University of Toledo Health Sci Campus · NIH-11057791 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how UV rays from the sun can harm skin cells and lead to melanoma, a serious skin cancer, and it’s exploring how a specific protein called BRG1 helps skin cells respond to that damage, which could help us find better ways to protect against skin cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Toledo Health Sci Campus NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Toledo, United States) |
| Project start | December 20, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $156,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R03ES036303-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11057791 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have a history of significant UV exposure or are at risk for melanoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of UV exposure or those with other forms of skin cancer unrelated to UVR may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on cutaneous malignant melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer linked to ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. It examines how UVR causes DNA damage and alters the behavior of skin cells called melanocytes, which can lead to melanoma. The study aims to understand the role of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex, particularly the BRG1 protein, in regulating the cellular response to UVR. By analyzing how the absence of BRG1 affects gene expression and chromatin structure, the research seeks to uncover mechanisms that could improve protective responses against UVR damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better prevention strategies and treatments for melanoma by enhancing our understanding of how skin cells respond to UV radiation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding chromatin remodeling in response to environmental factors can lead to significant advancements in cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
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University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
Toledo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: De la Serna, Ivana L — University of Toledo Health Sci Campus
- Study coordinator: De la Serna, Ivana L
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.