Understanding how cell energy affects aggressive skin cancer
Interrogating the role of GTP metabolism in Rac1-driven phenotypes in melanoma
This research explores how a cell's energy process, called GTP metabolism, influences the spread of aggressive skin cancer, aiming to find new ways to stop it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11162390 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Malignant melanoma is a very aggressive skin cancer that is hard to treat due to its ability to spread and resist current medicines. A protein called Rac1 plays a key role in making melanoma cells invasive and helping the cancer spread throughout the body. Our lab has found a connection between Rac1 activity and how cells manage their energy, specifically a molecule called GTP. By understanding this connection, we hope to discover new targets that could stop melanoma from growing and spreading.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is most relevant to patients with aggressive malignant melanoma, particularly those with the Rac1 P29S mutation, as it aims to uncover new treatment pathways.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or very early-stage melanoma may not directly benefit from this specific research focus at this stage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments for aggressive melanoma, especially for patients whose cancer has spread or is resistant to current therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Our lab has previously shown that reducing cellular GTP levels can suppress Rac1 activity and invasion in melanoma, and preliminary data in mice suggests that targeting this pathway affects tumor growth.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wolff, David W — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Wolff, David W
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.