Understanding how gene regulation affects melanoma growth and treatment resistance
Investigating Transcriptional Elongation and Nuclear RNA Surveillance in Melanoma
This study is looking at how certain proteins called CDKs, especially a mutation in CDK13, might make metastatic melanoma, a serious skin cancer, grow faster and resist treatment, with the hope of finding better ways to help patients fight this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11047548 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific proteins, known as cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), in the development and treatment resistance of metastatic melanoma, a severe form of skin cancer. The study focuses on mutations in CDK13 that may lead to increased cancer cell growth and poor patient outcomes. By examining how these mutations disrupt normal gene expression and RNA processing, the research aims to uncover new mechanisms that contribute to melanoma progression. Patients may benefit from insights gained that could lead to improved therapies targeting these molecular pathways.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, particularly those whose cancer has not responded to existing therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage melanoma or those who have not yet received treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that improve outcomes for patients with metastatic melanoma.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting gene regulation in cancer, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Dana-Farber Cancer Inst — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Insco, Megan Leigh — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Insco, Megan Leigh
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.