Understanding how melanin affects the progression of NRAS mutant melanoma
Official title: Novel role of melanin-carbonyls in progression of NRAS mutant melanoma
Funded at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst · NIH-10648486 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain compounds related to melanin might affect the growth of melanoma in patients with a specific gene mutation, and it hopes to find out why some people with melanoma don’t respond well to treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | July 22, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $463,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES035196-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10648486 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with NRAS mutant melanoma who may be experiencing resistance to existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with melanoma that does not have NRAS mutations or those who are not currently undergoing treatment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of melanin-carbonyls in the progression of NRAS mutant melanoma, focusing on how these compounds can influence DNA damage and resistance to therapies. The study aims to explore the chemical processes involved when melanin is oxidized by nitric oxide synthase, leading to the formation of melanin-carbonyls that may contribute to melanoma development. By examining the interactions between these compounds and DNA, the research seeks to uncover new mechanisms that could explain why some melanoma patients do not respond to current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating NRAS mutant melanoma, potentially improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating melanin-carbonyls in melanoma is novel, related research has shown that understanding the biochemical pathways in cancer can lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Premi, Sanjay — H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Ctr & Res Inst
- Study coordinator: Premi, Sanjay
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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.