Investigating the role of HMGB1 in skin cancer for patients with a rare genetic disease.
Official title: HMGB1 in EB-Associated Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at University of Minnesota · NIH-10868435 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,163 |
| NIH project number | 5F31CA281039-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868435 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa who are at risk for squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without recessive dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa or those who do not have a history of skin cancer may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bui, Kacey Linnea Guenther — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Bui, Kacey Linnea Guenther
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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.