Understanding how brain cells interact with melanoma cancer cells
Official title: The interface of neurons and cancer
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11237287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called TRIM9, which is found in both brain cells and melanoma (a type of skin cancer), affects how the cancer grows and spreads, with the hope of finding better treatments for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $3,000 |
| NIH project number | 3F99CA294269-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11237287 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with melanoma, particularly those with aggressive forms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-melanoma skin cancers or those without any neurological involvement may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between neurons and melanoma, a type of skin cancer. It focuses on a specific protein, TRIM9, which is found in both brain cells and melanoma cells, to understand how this interaction affects cancer progression. The study will explore how changes in the behavior of these cells can influence tumor growth and spread. By examining the cellular mechanisms involved, the research aims to uncover new insights into cancer biology that could lead to improved therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating melanoma by targeting the interactions between cancer cells and neurons.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying the neuron-cancer interface is relatively novel, there have been successful studies exploring the role of cellular interactions in cancer progression.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lukasik, Kimberly — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Lukasik, Kimberly
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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.