Mapping the structure of melanocytic tumors and their surroundings
Official title: Spatial Profiling of Melanocytic Tumors and Their Microenvironment
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10876459 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how skin tumors, like moles and melanomas, interact with their surroundings to find new ways to help doctors better diagnose melanoma, which could lead to more accurate results and better care for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $80,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03CA277645-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10876459 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with melanocytic neoplasms, particularly those with ambiguous diagnoses of nevi or melanoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-melanocytic skin tumors or those who have already been definitively diagnosed with melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between melanocytic tumors, such as nevi and melanomas, and their surrounding microenvironment. By creating high-resolution spatial maps of gene expression, the study aims to identify novel biomarkers that can improve the accuracy of melanoma diagnosis. The approach focuses on understanding how different cell types within the tumor and its environment interact, which is crucial for distinguishing between benign and malignant conditions. This research seeks to address the limitations of current diagnostic methods that often lead to errors and poor patient outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses of melanoma, improving patient outcomes and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using spatial profiling techniques to improve cancer diagnostics, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kiuru, Maija Helena Tuulia — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Kiuru, Maija Helena Tuulia
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.