The Kinome of GNAQ/11-Mutant Uveal Melanoma
Abstract
Melanoma of the eye occurs in the uveal tract (composed of the choroid, ciliary body, and the iris) and is referred to as uveal melanoma (UM). UM is the most common malignancy of the eye in adults and accounts for 5% of all melanomas, with about 2,000 adults diagnosed every year. UM is associated with an ultraviolet-A (UVA) mutational signature. The high-level exposure of our military personnel to UV radiation increases their risk of melanoma compared to the general population; hence, our work is directly relevant to active duty Service members, Veterans, and other military beneficiaries. UM is a highly aggressive cancer; however, little is known about the causes and factors that contribute to disease progression. Half of UM patients develop advanced stage disease (metastasis) within 15 years of diagnosis, typically in the liver. UM that spreads through the body (metastasizes) to the liver is invariably fatal. Despite recent breakthroughs in skin melanoma, there are no US Food and Drug Administration-approved targeted therapies for UM to date. The goal of this application is to identify uncharacterized aspects of cell signaling enzymes (known as kinases) in UM. Our work is aimed at providing the basis for new therapeutic strategies for this group of patients. The potential clinical benefit is the development of new, improved treatment options for melanoma patients. Our proposed research is complemented by the clinical strengths in UM at the Wills Eye Hospital and Thomas Jefferson University. We have access to unique UM resources, large patient populations, and the high-throughput genomic technologies required to successfully complete the proposed studies.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 10, 2021
- Source ID
- W81XWH2010557
Entities
People
- Andrew E Aplin
Organizations
- Thomas Jefferson University
- United States Army