Targeting a specific protein to improve melanoma treatment
Official title: Proteolysis targeting chimera against nuclear receptor NR4A1 for melanoma therapy
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-11075328 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 15, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $589,897 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA290792-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075328 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma who may benefit from innovative immunotherapy approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with melanoma who have already exhausted all treatment options or those with non-melanoma skin cancers may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Weizhou — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Weizhou
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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.