Targeting a specific enzyme to improve melanoma treatment
Official title: Targeting a PHGDH metabolic vulnerability in melanoma
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-10865193 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a specific enzyme that helps melanoma cells grow, and it aims to find new ways to block this enzyme to starve the cancer cells of a nutrient they need, which could lead to better treatment options for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | May 16, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $433,256 |
| NIH project number | 1R21CA289213-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10865193 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma, particularly those who have not responded well to existing therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or those who are not currently undergoing treatment for melanoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a metabolic vulnerability in melanoma by focusing on the enzyme phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), which is crucial for cancer cell growth. The study aims to develop new strategies to inhibit PHGDH and limit the availability of Serine, a nutrient that cancer cells need to thrive. By understanding how melanoma cells adapt their metabolism, researchers hope to create more effective treatment options that can overcome current limitations in therapy. Patients may benefit from innovative combination therapies that target this metabolic pathway.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for melanoma, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting metabolic vulnerabilities in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karreth, Florian — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Karreth, Florian
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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.