Understanding how certain signals affect skin pigmentation and cancer risk
Mechanisms of cAMP-dependent regulation of melanosome pH
This study is looking at how certain signals in skin cells affect the color of your skin and might also play a role in skin cancer risk, especially for people with specific genes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11059175 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific signaling pathways in regulating melanosome pH, which is crucial for skin pigmentation and may influence skin cancer risk. The study focuses on the Melanocortin 1 Receptor (MC1R) and its interaction with different adenylyl cyclases to understand how they control pigmentation in skin cells. By using human melanocytes and genetically modified mouse models, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms that govern melanosome pH and pigmentation. This could lead to insights into how pigmentation affects cancer risk, particularly in individuals with certain genetic backgrounds.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with variations in the MC1R gene, particularly those of African descent or with albinism.
Not a fit: Patients without any pigmentation disorders or those not affected by skin cancer risk may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and potential treatments for skin conditions related to pigmentation and cancer risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cAMP signaling in pigmentation, but this specific approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zippin, Jonathan Hale — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Zippin, Jonathan Hale
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.