Understanding how zinc affects treatment resistance in melanoma
Cell intrinsic and extrinsic effects of zinc metabolism in therapy resistant melanoma
This study is looking at how zinc levels in the body might affect the success of a specific cancer treatment for melanoma patients who have low p16 protein, with the hope that adjusting zinc could help improve their response to therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11163979 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how zinc metabolism influences the effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapy in melanoma patients, particularly those with low levels of the p16 protein. By examining the role of the zinc transporter SLC39A9, the study aims to determine if altering zinc levels can improve treatment responses. The approach includes advanced techniques like CRISPR to manipulate genes and assess their impact on tumor behavior and immune response. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to enhanced therapies for resistant melanoma cases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are melanoma patients exhibiting low p16 expression and resistance to immune checkpoint blockade therapies.
Not a fit: Patients with melanoma who do not have low p16 expression or who are not resistant to immune checkpoint blockade therapies may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for melanoma patients who currently do not respond well to existing therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in manipulating zinc levels to enhance immune responses in cancer, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Aird, Katherine Marie — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Aird, Katherine Marie
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.