New therapies targeting cancer signaling pathways in uveal melanoma
Official title: Targeting Systems Vulnerabilities in the Gαq/GNAQ Oncogenic Signaling Circuitry: New Precision Therapies for Uveal Melanoma
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11095748 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain changes in proteins related to eye cancer, specifically uveal melanoma, can help us find new ways to treat it, especially for patients whose cancer has spread.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2021 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $522,110 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA257505-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11095748 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with uveal melanoma, particularly those with advanced or metastatic disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-melanoma eye cancers or those without mutations in the Gαq/GNAQ signaling pathways may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how specific mutations in G proteins and GPCRs contribute to uveal melanoma, a type of eye cancer. By investigating the Gαq/GNAQ signaling pathways, the researchers aim to identify vulnerabilities that can be targeted with precision therapies. The study involves analyzing cancer genomes and exploring the role of YAP activation in tumor growth, which could lead to new treatment options for patients with metastatic uveal melanoma. The ultimate goal is to develop effective therapies for a condition that currently has limited treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, effective treatments for patients suffering from metastatic uveal melanoma.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting GPCRs and G proteins in various cancers, indicating that this approach may be effective for uveal melanoma as well.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gutkind, Jorge Silvio — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Gutkind, Jorge Silvio
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeting serotonin receptors to boost a cancer cell weakness in uveal melanoma
A small funding project tests whether blocking the serotonin HTR2B receptor can weaken mutant GNAQ/GNA11-driven uveal melanoma cells to help fight metastatic eye cancer.
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Dual mRNA therapeutics aimed at liver metastasis from uveal melanoma
A new approach uses two mRNA-based therapies designed to target liver metastases in adults with uveal melanoma.
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Improving treatment response in uveal melanoma by targeting Syk with new translational models
A Mayo Clinic team is exploring whether blocking the Syk protein can make uveal melanoma more responsive to PARP inhibitors in patients who have this eye cancer that often spreads.
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How uveal melanoma cells send signals that help them spread
This project follows adults with uveal melanoma and tracks signals in eye fluid and blood to find early signs that the cancer may be spreading.
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A safe, minimally invasive test to predict uveal melanoma metastasis risk from eye fluid
A new test using a sample from the eye’s aqueous fluid could predict if uveal melanoma is likely to spread, without needing a risky biopsy.
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Targeting stress defenses in eye melanoma that spreads to the liver
Researchers are working to weaken tumor cells' defenses against oxidative damage so liver metastases from uveal (eye) melanoma in adults become more vulnerable to treatment.
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.