Investigating Twist1 for preventing and treating skin cancer
Official title: Twist1 as a Target for Prevention and Treatment of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-10876471 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a protein called Twist1 to see how it influences skin cancer, specifically cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, and aims to find new ways to target it to help prevent and treat this type of skin cancer, especially in relation to how skin cells react to UV light.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $344,441 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA263535-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876471 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of skin cancer or those at high risk for developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of skin cancer or those who do not have risk factors for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how Twist1, a protein involved in cancer progression, affects cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The team aims to develop new methods to target Twist1, which could help prevent and treat this type of skin cancer. They will explore the role of Twist1 in the early stages of skin cancer development and its impact on skin cells' behavior, particularly in response to UV exposure. By studying the effects of Twist1 on skin cell differentiation and stem cell behavior, the research seeks to uncover potential therapeutic strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments and preventive strategies for patients at risk of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting similar pathways in cancer treatment, indicating potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Digiovanni, John — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Digiovanni, John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic map of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and its earliest genetic changes
This project looks at the genes involved in a common skin cancer (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) to understand what mutations drive its growth and how it evolves from benign skin lesions.
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Genetic landscape and evolution of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Researchers will look at DNA changes in skin squamous cell carcinoma and in nearby precursor lesions to find mutations that drive the cancer.
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Understanding Twist1 to Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer
This work explores how a protein called Twist1 contributes to squamous cell skin cancer and aims to find new ways to stop or treat this disease.
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Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, by comparing cancerous spots with their non-cancerous beginnings, to help find better ways to catch and treat this cancer early for patients like you.
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Exploring how epigenetic changes affect skin cancer development
This study is looking at how a specific gene might affect the development of skin cancer, especially in military personnel who are often exposed to the sun, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this common condition.
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Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can turn a harmless skin condition into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat it.
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.