Targeting epigenetic controls to help the immune system fight melanoma
Project 2. Harnessing Epigenetic Regulation of Endogenous Retroelements in Melanoma
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · YALE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11181036
The team is trying to see if turning off specific epigenetic proteins can make melanoma tumors more visible to the immune system for patients whose cancers resist current treatments.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | YALE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11181036 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As a patient, you'll know researchers are focusing on two epigenetic proteins, KDM5B and SETDB1, that keep bits of DNA called retroelements silent and may hide tumors from immune attack. They are using tumor samples taken from patients and laboratory melanoma models to see how removing these proteins changes immune signaling and tumor growth. The project will look for retroelement-based biomarkers in patient samples that might predict who benefits from immune checkpoint drugs. The team will also test whether reducing KDM5B activity could become a new treatment strategy for melanoma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates include people with advanced or metastatic melanoma, especially those whose tumors have stopped responding to targeted drugs or did not respond to immunotherapy.
Not a fit: People without melanoma or those with early-stage melanoma unlikely to need immunotherapy are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests that predict who will respond to immunotherapy and new ways to make resistant melanomas respond to treatment.
How similar studies have performed: Related lab and early clinical work suggests epigenetic changes can boost anti-tumor immunity, but clear clinical benefit in melanoma has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES
- YALE UNIVERSITY — NEW HAVEN, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YAN, QIN — YALE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: YAN, QIN
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.
Conditions: Cancer Treatment