Investigating the role of HMGB1 in skin cancer for patients with a rare genetic disease.

HMGB1 in EB-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma

NIH-funded research University of Minnesota · NIH-10868435

This study is looking at how a protein called HMGB1 affects skin cancer development in people with a rare skin condition called recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), and it aims to find out if blocking this protein can help prevent tumors from forming.

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Minnesota NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Minneapolis, United States)
Project IDNIH-10868435 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (RDEB), a rare genetic condition that leads to severe skin wounds and a high risk of early-onset squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The study aims to understand how a protein called HMGB1 contributes to cancer development in RDEB patients by examining its effects on inflammation and genomic stability in skin cells. Researchers will use both laboratory techniques and a mouse model to test whether blocking HMGB1 can prevent tumor formation. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies for managing skin cancer in these patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa who are at risk for squamous cell carcinoma.

Not a fit: Patients without recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa or those who do not have a history of skin cancer may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce the risk of skin cancer in patients with RDEB.

How similar studies have performed: While the role of HMGB1 in other cancers has been studied, this specific investigation in RDEB is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Minneapolis, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.