Understanding how skin oxygen levels and a virus contribute to a type of aggressive skin cancer.
Project 3: Skin hypoxia, MCPyV infection, and MCC tumorigenesis
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 ID | NIH-10914922 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with Merkel cell carcinoma, especially those with compromised immune systems.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of skin cancer or those without Merkel cell carcinoma may not benefit from this research.
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 performed: 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
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: You, Jianxin — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: You, Jianxin
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.