Project title: Role of YAP and TAZ restriction in Merkel Cell Carcinoma development
Chiara Mazziotta, PhD Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
- Status: Active
- Year(s): 2026, 2027
- Grant Type: Mentored
- Research Type: Basic
- Primary Tumor Site: Other
- Area of Inquiry: Uncovering the molecular and genetic basis of NETs, Cancer metabolism
What critical NET problem/question will researchers try to answer?
Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare but aggressive neuroendocrine skin cancer, often caused by the Merkel cell polyomavirus. Once advanced, Merkel cell carcinoma is very difficult to treat and has few effective options. This project will investigate how viral proteins interact with two key cellular pathways, YAP/TAZ and mTOR, to impact Merkel cell carcinoma growth and survival.
Why is this important?
This researcher is studying two proteins, called YAP and TAZ, which normally help control healthy cell growth but are inactive in MCC. Interestingly, when these proteins are switched back on in the lab, MCC cells stop growing and die. The team is also studying another pathway, called mTOR, which helps MCC cells survive and proliferate. Their findings suggest that blocking mTOR while reactivating YAP and TAZ could be a promising new treatment strategy.
What will the researchers do?
Researchers will use genetic tools to turn specific genes on or off in MCC cells and study how these changes impact tumor growth.
How might this improve the treatment of NETs?
By uncovering how YAP/TAZ and mTOR interact, this project could point the way to entirely new therapies, either by restarting the body’s natural “brakes” on cancer growth or by shutting down the survival signals MCC cells depend on. Ultimately, this research aims to create more effective treatments for MCC and may also provide insights into other neuroendocrine cancers.
Additional Details
- City: Boston
- State: MA
- Country: United States
- Grant Duration: 2 years
- Sponsor: Elaine Nord
DISCLAIMER
NETRF funds laboratory research to understand the development of neuroendocrine tumors and translational research to explore new concepts in treatment. Research grant descriptions and research updates from NETRF are not intended to serve as medical advice. It can take years for research discoveries to be fully validated and approved for patient care. Always consult your health care providers about your treatment options.