Targeting a specific protein to fight drug resistance in aggressive melanoma
Targeting S6K2 to Overcome Drug Resistance in NRAS-mutant Melanoma
This study is looking at a tough type of skin cancer called NRAS mutant melanoma and is testing a new way to fight it by targeting a protein called S6K2, which helps the cancer cells survive, to see if blocking it can help kill the cancer cells and offer new treatment options for patients who don’t have many choices right now.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wistar Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10915666 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on NRAS mutant melanoma, a type of skin cancer that is particularly aggressive and resistant to existing treatments. The team aims to identify vulnerabilities in these tumors by targeting the S6K2 protein, which plays a crucial role in the survival of cancer cells. By using advanced techniques like CRISPR, they will explore how blocking S6K2 can disrupt the cancer cells' metabolism and lead to their death. This approach seeks to provide new therapeutic options for patients who currently have limited treatment choices.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with NRAS mutant melanoma who have not responded to existing therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with melanoma that does not have NRAS mutations may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that effectively target and kill NRAS mutant melanoma cells, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have performed: While targeting S6K2 in NRAS mutant melanoma is a novel approach, previous studies have shown promise in targeting similar pathways in other cancer types.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- Wistar Institute — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Villanueva, Jessie — Wistar Institute
- Study coordinator: Villanueva, Jessie
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 below.