Understanding how a specific enzyme affects melanoma cell survival
GCDH Addiction in Melanoma
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called GCDH helps melanoma cells survive, and by blocking this enzyme, the researchers hope to find new ways to make those cancer cells die, which could lead to better treatments for people with melanoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235003 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of the enzyme GCDH in melanoma, a type of skin cancer, focusing on how it influences cell survival and apoptosis (programmed cell death). The team has found that melanoma cells rely heavily on GCDH activity for their survival, unlike other cancer types such as liver or breast cancer. By developing small molecule inhibitors that target GCDH, the researchers aim to induce cell death specifically in melanoma cells, potentially leading to new treatment options. The study will also explore the underlying mechanisms involving another protein, NRF2, which is affected by GCDH inhibition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma who may benefit from novel treatment approaches.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer, such as liver, breast, or prostate cancer, are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new targeted therapies for melanoma that specifically induce cancer cell death.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of targeting GCDH in melanoma is novel, similar strategies targeting metabolic pathways in cancer have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ronai, Zeev a. — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ronai, Zeev a.
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.