Understanding how skin oxygen levels and a virus contribute to a type of aggressive skin cancer.
Official title: Project 3: Skin hypoxia, MCPyV infection, and MCC tumorigenesis
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10914922 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how low oxygen levels in the skin might help a specific virus contribute to a rare but serious skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent and treat this cancer, especially for people with weakened immune systems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $410,686 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA281867-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10914922 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, especially those with compromised immune systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other types of skin cancer or those without Merkel cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between skin hypoxia, the Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV), and the development of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC), a highly aggressive skin cancer. The study aims to uncover how the hypoxic environment in the skin may promote tumor growth and metastasis by examining the genes activated under low oxygen conditions. By understanding these mechanisms, the research seeks to identify potential new strategies for preventing and treating MCC, particularly in patients with weakened immune systems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve survival rates for patients with Merkel cell carcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of hypoxia in cancer progression, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: You, Jianxin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: You, Jianxin
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
HIF-driven ways to repair damaged lungs in IPF
A doctor-researcher is testing how low-oxygen signals (HIF) could help restore healthy lung tissue in people with IPF.
-
Neonatal Brain Injury Protection with New Purine Compounds
A new medication approach using purine derivatives is being studied to protect newborn brains from injury caused by limited blood flow and oxygen during birth.
-
Aldo-keto reductase (AKR) helps brain BH4 levels after injury
This grant tests whether brain AKR enzymes can boost BH4 levels and support better brain function after hypoxia-ischemia-related injury.
-
Dual-hypoxia and proliferation PET biomarker for recurrent glioblastoma
A study using a special PET imaging approach to map oxygen-poor areas and cell growth in recurrent brain tumors to guide treatment decisions.
-
How low oxygen and genetic tweaks may repair mitochondrial problems linked to Alzheimer’s and other disorders
A Johns Hopkins-style? (Note: institution specified later) patient-facing overview: researchers will study tiny cell power stations in mitochondria to see if low-oxygen conditions and specific genetic changes can fix problems associated with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
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.