Investigating the role of ERBB4 in melanoma without BRAF mutations
Official title: Is ERBB4 a Driver of BRAF WT Melanomas?
Funded at Auburn University at Auburn · NIH-10796093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how changes in the ERBB4 gene might help certain skin cancers grow, especially those that don’t have BRAF mutations, and the goal is to find new ways to treat patients with these types of melanomas.
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) | $450,826 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA280767-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10796093 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 contribute to the growth of cutaneous melanomas that do not have mutations in the BRAF gene. The team will explore how these mutations affect cell signaling pathways that could lead to increased tumor growth. By identifying specific ERBB4 mutations and their impact on melanoma cell lines, the researchers aim to develop new therapeutic strategies that could improve treatment options for patients with this type of cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide new treatment options for patients with metastatic BRAF wild-type melanomas, potentially improving their outcomes.
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 relatively novel and untested.
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.