Targeting ARF6 and MAPK Pathways in Melanoma
Official title: Targeting Rheostatic Mechanisms in Melanoma
Funded at Providence Health & Services - Oregon · NIH-11414961 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how melanoma cells use ARF6 and MAPK signaling to spread and resist treatment, with goals that could lead to new combination therapies for patients with this aggressive skin cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Providence Health & Services - Oregon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Renton, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2020 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $388,875 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA230630-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11414961 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with BRAFV600E-mutant melanoma or related metastatic melanoma who may be eligible for future combination therapy trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without BRAFV600E mutation or without metastatic disease may not directly benefit from the specific mechanisms studied.
What this research studies
Melanoma can spread early and become resistant to standard therapies. The project investigates how ARF6, a protein that controls cell transport, interacts with the MAPK pathway to influence tumor growth and metastasis in BRAFV600E-positive melanoma. By studying these mechanisms in preclinical models and patient-derived samples, researchers aim to identify combination treatment strategies that could prevent resistance. The findings could inform future clinical trials and ultimately improve outcomes for people affected by melanoma.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatment approaches that reduce metastasis and overcome drug resistance in melanoma patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work showing ARF6 involvement in melanoma metastasis supports a plausible path toward impactful therapies, though translation to clinic remains forthcoming.
Where this research is happening
-
Providence Health & Services - Oregon
Renton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grossmann, Allie H. — Providence Health & Services - Oregon
- Study coordinator: Grossmann, Allie H.
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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.