Targeting genetic changes to treat skin cancer
Official title: Targeting epigenetic abnormalities to inhibit cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-10705718 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how long-term sun exposure affects your genes and may lead to skin cancer, and it hopes to find new ways to reverse these changes to help stop tumor growth, which could lead to better treatments for people with skin cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $395,669 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA272482-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10705718 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or those at high risk due to chronic UV exposure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of skin cancer or those not affected by UV exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how chronic exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation leads to changes in the way genes are expressed, contributing to the development of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), a common type of skin cancer. The study aims to understand the specific epigenetic modifications that occur and how reversing these changes could inhibit tumor growth. Using advanced techniques like CRISPR-Cas9, researchers will focus on demethylating a key gene involved in tumor suppression to see if this can reactivate its protective functions against cancer. Patients may benefit from new treatment strategies that target these epigenetic alterations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative therapies that effectively inhibit the growth of skin cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting epigenetic changes in cancer, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kawasumi, Masaoki — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Kawasumi, Masaoki
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic map of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and its earliest genetic changes
This project looks at the genes involved in a common skin cancer (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) to understand what mutations drive its growth and how it evolves from benign skin lesions.
-
Genetic landscape and evolution of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Researchers will look at DNA changes in skin squamous cell carcinoma and in nearby precursor lesions to find mutations that drive the cancer.
-
Understanding Twist1 to Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer
This work explores how a protein called Twist1 contributes to squamous cell skin cancer and aims to find new ways to stop or treat this disease.
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Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, by comparing cancerous spots with their non-cancerous beginnings, to help find better ways to catch and treat this cancer early for patients like you.
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Exploring how epigenetic changes affect skin cancer development
This study is looking at how a specific gene might affect the development of skin cancer, especially in military personnel who are often exposed to the sun, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this common condition.
-
Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can turn a harmless skin condition into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat it.
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.