Understanding how melanoma cells change and spread
Defining epigenetic regulators of tumor heterogeneity and metastasis in melanoma
This project looks at how changes in melanoma cells help them spread throughout the body.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11115872 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are exploring how melanoma cells can change their identity, a process called plasticity, which helps them become more aggressive and spread. Our work focuses on understanding the specific genetic switches, or epigenetic changes, that allow these cells to transform and move to other parts of the body. By studying human melanoma samples, we found a specific gene, NR2F2-isoform 2, that becomes active in spreading melanoma cells. We believe this gene plays a key role in giving melanoma cells the ability to spread.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with melanoma, particularly those with metastatic disease, could potentially benefit from future treatments developed from this fundamental understanding.
Not a fit: Patients without melanoma or those whose cancer does not involve the specific genetic changes being studied may not directly benefit from this particular line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: This work could lead to new ways to stop melanoma from spreading, offering hope for more effective treatments.
How similar studies have performed: While the general concept of epigenetic changes in cancer is known, the specific role of NR2F2-isoform 2 in melanoma metastasis is a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hernando, Eva — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Hernando, Eva
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.