Understanding Twist1 to Prevent and Treat Skin Cancer
Official title: Twist1 as a Target for Prevention and Treatment of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Funded at University of Texas at Austin · NIH-11092757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores how a protein called Twist1 contributes to squamous cell skin cancer and aims to find new ways to stop or treat this disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas at Austin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Austin, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $362,569 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA263535-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092757 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but aims to benefit individuals at risk for or diagnosed with cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma in the future.
✕Less likely to help
Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical participation would not find direct benefit from this early-stage laboratory research.
What this research studies
We are looking closely at a protein called Twist1, which seems to play a role in how skin cancer develops and spreads. Our goal is to understand exactly how Twist1 works in squamous cell carcinoma, a common type of skin cancer. By learning more about this protein, we hope to discover new strategies for both preventing skin cancer from forming and for treating it effectively. This could lead to better options for patients facing this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new medications or approaches that prevent the development of squamous cell skin cancer or improve its treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous laboratory findings suggest Twist1 is involved in cancer progression, but its specific role in UV-related skin cancer and targeted therapies are still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas at Austin
Austin, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Digiovanni, John — University of Texas at Austin
- Study coordinator: Digiovanni, John
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Genomic map of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma and its earliest genetic changes
This project looks at the genes involved in a common skin cancer (cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma) to understand what mutations drive its growth and how it evolves from benign skin lesions.
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Genetic landscape and evolution of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
Researchers will look at DNA changes in skin squamous cell carcinoma and in nearby precursor lesions to find mutations that drive the cancer.
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Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can lead to squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, by comparing cancerous spots with their non-cancerous beginnings, to help find better ways to catch and treat this cancer early for patients like you.
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Exploring how epigenetic changes affect skin cancer development
This study is looking at how a specific gene might affect the development of skin cancer, especially in military personnel who are often exposed to the sun, with the hope of finding new ways to treat this common condition.
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Understanding the genetic changes in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain genetic changes in skin cells can turn a harmless skin condition into squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, to help find better ways to diagnose and treat it.
-
Investigating T cells that target specific cancer proteins in skin cancer
This study is looking at how certain immune cells can help fight a common skin cancer called cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), using a mouse model to learn how to make treatments that boost the immune system even better for patients.
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.