Investigating UCHL5's role in melanoma spread
Official title: UCHL5 as a regulator and therapeutic target in metastatic melanoma
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10866382 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called UCHL5 affects the spread of melanoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $390,885 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA245395-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10866382 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or those whose melanoma has not metastasized may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how UCHL5, an important protein, influences the spread of melanoma, a serious skin cancer. By examining both human melanoma cell cultures and animal models, the researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which UCHL5 promotes cancer invasion and metastasis. They will utilize advanced technologies to analyze changes in the cancer cells' genetic regulation, which may lead to new therapeutic strategies. The study seeks to clarify whether UCHL5's effects are due to its enzymatic activity or its interactions with other cellular pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that specifically target UCHL5 to inhibit melanoma metastasis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting epigenetic regulators in cancer treatment, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rai, Kunal — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rai, Kunal
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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.