Investigating the role of ERBB4 in certain types of melanoma
Official title: Is ERBB4 a Driver of BRAF WT Melanomas?
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-11064642 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the ERBB4 gene might help certain skin cancers grow, and it's for people with a type of melanoma that doesn't have good treatment options right now; the goal is to find new ways to help improve their care.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Auburn University at Auburn NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Auburn, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $20,349 |
| NIH project number | 3R15CA280767-01A1S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064642 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic cutaneous melanoma that does not have BRAF mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with BRAF mutant melanomas or those with other types of skin cancers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how mutations in the ERBB4 gene may drive the growth of BRAF wild-type melanomas, a type of skin cancer that currently lacks effective treatment options. The researchers will explore how these mutations affect cell signaling pathways that contribute to tumor growth. By identifying specific ERBB4 mutations and their impact on melanoma cell lines, the study aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies that could improve outcomes for patients with this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for approximately 30% of patients with metastatic BRAF wild-type melanomas.
How similar studies have gone: While research on BRAF mutant melanomas has shown significant success, the exploration of ERBB4 in BRAF wild-type melanomas is a novel approach that has not yet been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
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Auburn University at Auburn
Auburn, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Riese, David J. — Auburn University at Auburn
- Study coordinator: Riese, David J.
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.