Targeting a specific protein to improve melanoma treatment
Proteolysis targeting chimera against nuclear receptor NR4A1 for melanoma therapy
This study is exploring a new treatment for melanoma that targets a specific protein to help boost the immune system's ability to fight the cancer, and it's designed for people living with melanoma who are looking for better options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11075328 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapy for melanoma by targeting the NR4A1 protein, which plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. The approach utilizes proteolysis-targeting chimera (PROTAC) technology to create a degrader that can effectively inhibit NR4A1, thereby potentially enhancing anti-tumor immunity. By analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing data, the researchers aim to identify how this protein affects various immune and cancer cell types, ultimately leading to a more effective treatment strategy for melanoma patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma who may benefit from innovative immunotherapy approaches.
Not a fit: Patients with melanoma who have already exhausted all treatment options or those with non-melanoma skin cancers may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new therapeutic option that improves melanoma treatment outcomes by enhancing the body's immune response against tumors.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of PROTAC technology is relatively novel, similar approaches targeting specific proteins in cancer therapy have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Weizhou — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Weizhou
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.