The National Cancer Institute (NCI) has awarded a Project Grant (CFDA 93.396 - Cancer Biology Research) to the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (UNM HSC) in the amount of $544,768 with a period of performance from March 1, 2025 to February 28, 2030. The grant will fund research to investigate the mechanisms by which MEK signaling inhibition leads to the regression of papillomavirus-induced tumors. Specifically, the project aims to determine how MEK inhibition alters intrinsic antiviral responses in keratinocytes, define the role of innate immune cells in tumor growth and regression, and assess the contribution of keratinocyte demise to MEK inhibitor-induced tumor regression. The proposed research leverages complementary tissue-based single-cell and spatial transcriptomics approaches, along with functional assays, to provide a comprehensive understanding of MEK signaling control of human papillomavirus oncogene expression and the dysregulation of innate immunity in papillomavirus infections. The findings from this project are expected to reveal additional targets for papillomavirus tumor treatment and potential biomarkers for future clinical studies.
Generated 3/18/25, 3:28 AM