Understanding how a virus causes a specific type of skin cancer
Official title: Deciphering the mechanisms of nucleolar stress response during MCPyV infection
Funded at Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10825993 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a virus linked to a rare skin cancer called Merkel Cell Carcinoma affects cells, with the goal of finding new treatment options for older adults or those with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hershey, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $35,848 |
| NIH project number | 1F31AI176803-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10825993 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are elderly individuals or those with weakened immune systems who are at risk for Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of skin cancer or those not affected by Merkel Cell Polyomavirus may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Merkel Cell Polyomavirus (MCPyV) contributes to the development of Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC), a rare and aggressive skin cancer. The study focuses on the virus's ability to induce cellular changes, specifically through a process called nucleolar stress response, which can lead to cell cycle arrest and cellular senescence. By examining these mechanisms, the research aims to uncover potential new therapeutic strategies for treating MCC, especially in patients who are elderly or immunosuppressed. The approach involves laboratory experiments using human cells to understand the interactions between the virus and the host's cellular machinery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment options for patients suffering from Merkel Cell Carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on other human tumor viruses has shown success in understanding their mechanisms, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
Hershey, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pham, Alexander Michael — Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Pham, Alexander Michael
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.