Research Interests
The main objectives of Professor Nikiforov’s research program includes identification and therapeutic exploitation of mechanisms underlying the deregulated transcription programs and metabolism in melanoma and multiple myeloma, two malignancies with no curative treatment. Nikiforov pursues these objectives by integrating in vitro and in vivo approaches of biomedical engineering, functional genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics and metabolomics.
Selected Grants
The role of regulation and subcellular localization of GTP biosynthesis in melanoma invasion and metastasis
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2023 - 2028Bidirectional control of keratinocyte differentiation and proliferation by transcription factor FOXQ1
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2023 - 2028Targeting sphingosine kinase 2 to enhance CAR T-cell therapy efficacy in multiple myeloma
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by Cancer Research Institute · 2025 - 2027Decoupling acute toxicities and antitumor efficacy in adoptive cell therapy
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Houston Methodist Research Institute · 2024 - 2027Regulation and Function of Very Long Chain Fatty Acid Biosynthesis in Multiple Myeloma
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Cancer Institute · 2022 - 2026Interrogating the role of GTP metabolism in Rac1-driven phenotypes in melanoma
ResearchMentor · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2022 - 2024GMPS-GMPR Axis Melanoma Progression and Therapy
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2022 - 2024External Relationships
- NIH Center for Scientific Review
This faculty member (or a member of their immediate family) has reported outside activities with the companies, institutions, or organizations listed above. This information is available to institutional leadership and, when appropriate, management plans are in place to address potential conflicts of interest.