Initiatives
Initiative #1
Precision Targeting of TFAP-2 Using CRISPR Containing Lipid Nanoparticles
This initiative envisions adddressing a significant gap in the therapeutic landscape of melanoma due to the inefficacy of conventional chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and small molecule inhibitors. To address this challenge, this research utilizes a novel approach utilizing CRISPR gene editing technology delivered via lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) or exosomes to target the TFAP-2 gene in melanoma cells.
This study aims to identify and compare differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in primary and metastic melanoma samples to better comprehend the genetic changes associated with melanoma progression, which potentially leads to finding novel therapies.
Initiative #2
Study DEGs in Primary and Metastatic Melanoma
Initiative #3
Correlation of shape of Melanoma 3D Culture Masses with the expression of Metastasis-inducing genes
Melanomas are aggressive and typically metastasize by the time of diagnosis, Traditional 2D cell culture models fail to mimic the complex three-dimensional architecture of tumors, limiting their predictive accuracy for in vivo behavior. Three dimensional (3D) culture systems, such as spheroids or organoids, offer a more physiologically relevant environment to study tumor biology and metastasis. This initiative studies the shape of melanoma 3D culture masses and its correlation with the expression of metastasis inducing genes.
Proper estimation of tumor progression is crucial to tailor the diagnostics and therapies for each patient to address the inter- and intra-tumor heterogeneity in melanoma. Tracing the tumor-specific biomarkers such as receptors, enzymes, and proteins is one way to track tumor progression, and many fluorescent-tagged molecules could interact with these biomarkers to identify and quantify them in different tumor types. This initiative designs a simple bioimaging study to investigate the levels of biomarkers in various kinds of human and mouse breast cancer cell lines to understand how they could lead to tumor progression and metastasis.
Initiative #4
Simple Bioimaging Study To Investigate Levels of Biomarkers That Lead To Tumor Progression and Metastasis in Melanoma
Initiative #5
Research Study To Understand How Heterogeneity Contributes To Resistance
Standard of care for malignant melanoma is immunotherapy, even with BRAF mutation+ status. It is most clinically meaningful to study the mechanism by which melanoma cells are resistant to immune checkpoint blockade or adoptive cell therapy (tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes). Immunotherapy can come with severe immune-related adverse events, thus, from a diagnosis perspective, identifying gene signature of melanoma that are sensitive to immunotherapy is crucial for patient cohort selection.
Initiatives Pipeline
1
Effects of UV Light on Melanoma Cell Growth
How does exposure to different intensities of UV light affect the growth rate of melanoma cells?
2
Natural Extracts and Melanoma Cells
Do extracts from certain plants (e.g., green tea, turmeric) inhibit the growth of melanoma cells?
3
pH Levels and Melanoma Cell Viability
Do extracts from certain plants (e.g., green tea, turmeric) inhibit the growth of melanoma cells?
4
Comparing Growth Rates of Normal Skin Cells and Melanoma Cells:
How do the growth rates of normal skin cells compare to melanoma cells under identical conditions?
5
Melanoma Cell Response to Different Nutrient Conditions:
How do melanoma cells respond to varying levels of glucose in their growth medium?
6
Effects of Common Antioxidants on Melanoma Cells
How do common antioxidants (e.g., vitamin C, vitamin E) affect the growth and survival of melanoma cells?
7
Melanoma Cell Interaction with Immune Cells
How do melanoma cells interact with immune cells (e.g., white blood cells) in a co-culture setup?