Understanding Melanoma Spread and Treatment Resistance
Rewired Signaling at the Nexus of Melanoma Metastasis and Resistance
This research explores how melanoma spreads and resists treatments, especially in older individuals, by looking at changes within tumor cells and the influence of gut bacteria.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11144560 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We are looking into new ways that melanoma, a type of skin cancer, spreads and becomes resistant to treatments, focusing on how these processes change as people age. Our work examines specific processes inside melanoma cells that affect how they respond to therapy, such as NRF2 and ATF4. We also consider how the bacteria in the gut might influence the body's immune response against the tumor and its ability to spread. By understanding these complex interactions, we hope to find new ways to fight melanoma, particularly in older patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is most relevant to patients with melanoma, especially those who are older or whose tumors have become resistant to current therapies.
Not a fit: Patients without melanoma or those whose cancer is not related to the specific mechanisms being studied may not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new strategies for treating melanoma, particularly for older patients, by targeting specific cell pathways or influencing gut health to improve anti-tumor immunity.
How similar studies have performed: This project builds upon previous discoveries by the research team, suggesting a foundation of prior work, while exploring novel mechanisms related to aging and gut microbiota.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ronai, Zeev a. — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Ronai, Zeev a.
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.