Familial melanomas comprise 10% of all melanomas. A characteristic feature of melanomas is their strikingly complex genomic profiles, highlighted by genomic rearrangements and chromosome structural aberrations. However, mechanisms responsible for the chromosomal alterations that potentially drive tumorigenesis remain unclear. We postulate that melanomas with mutations disrupting the function of the Protection of Telomere 1 (POT1) protein depend upon the alternative, Lig4-independent NHEJ (A-NHEJ) pathway for DNA repair. We will use mouse models and human tumor samples to understand how progressive telomere dysfunction and activation of the A-NHEJ pathway generate pro-oncogenic chromosomal aberrations and the stepwise accumulation of mutational changes in favor of melanoma initiation and progression.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Type
Exploratory/Developmental Grants (R21)
Project #
1R21CA200506-01
Application #
8997583
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZCA1-SRB-L (O1))
Program Officer
Witkin, Keren L
Project Start
2015-12-16
Project End
2017-11-30
Budget Start
2015-12-16
Budget End
2016-11-30
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2016
Total Cost
$181,522
Indirect Cost
$72,772
Name
Yale University
Department
Pathology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
043207562
City
New Haven
State
CT
Country
United States
Zip Code
06520
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