Understanding How Skin Cancer Cells Develop
Roles and regulation of transcriptional reprogramming in squamous carcinogenesis
This research aims to understand the early steps that turn normal skin cells with mutations into aggressive skin cancer cells.
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-11141688 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that many healthy people have cells with mutations that could lead to cancer, but only some of these cells actually become cancerous. This project focuses on understanding the specific changes that happen in skin cells to transform them into aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Researchers are looking at certain genetic factors, called PITX1 and SOX2, which appear in SCC but not in healthy skin. The goal is to discover what triggers these factors and how they reprogram cells to cause cancer growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational laboratory research is not recruiting patients directly, but it focuses on understanding squamous cell carcinoma, which affects many individuals.
Not a fit: Patients without squamous cell carcinoma or those seeking immediate treatment options may not directly benefit from this early-stage laboratory work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent squamous cell carcinoma or develop treatments that target the earliest stages of cancer development.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific mechanisms explored here are novel, other studies have successfully identified key genetic changes that drive cancer development.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schober, Markus — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Schober, Markus
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.