Understanding how melanoma starts and grows
Official title: States and transitions in the initiation and maintenance of melanoma
Funded at University of California-Irvine · NIH-11016819 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how melanoma, a type of skin cancer, starts and grows by using special mouse models to explore the genes and other factors involved, so we can better understand how melanoma cells avoid control and form tumors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $530,129 |
| NIH project number | 1P01CA288662-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11016819 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at high risk for melanoma, including those with a family history of skin cancer or specific genetic mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced melanoma who are already undergoing treatment may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex processes that lead to the initiation and maintenance of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. By using genetically engineered mouse models, the study aims to uncover both genetic and non-genetic factors that contribute to tumor formation. Researchers will analyze various cell states and their transitions using advanced techniques like single-cell transcriptomics and computational methods. This approach will help identify the mechanisms that allow melanoma cells to evade growth control and develop into tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating melanoma by targeting the underlying mechanisms of tumor initiation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using mouse models to understand cancer mechanisms, indicating that this approach is promising and builds on established methodologies.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California-Irvine
Irvine, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ganesan, Anand K — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Ganesan, Anand K
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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.