ACSS2 and colon cancer
Official title: The role of ACSS2 in colon cancer
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11294303 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project aims to find out whether boosting a protein called ACSS2 can slow or prevent colon cancer by changing how tumor cells use short-chain fatty acids.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $450,908 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA259571-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11294303 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with colorectal cancer or those at high risk whose tumors show low ACSS2 or altered short-chain fatty acid enzyme levels.
✕Less likely to help
People without colorectal cancer or whose tumors do not have low ACSS2 or relevant metabolic changes are less likely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, researchers are comparing human colon tumor samples with mouse models to see how low ACSS2 and related enzymes affect tumor growth. In the lab they increase ACSS2 or related enzymes in colon cancer cells to watch effects on cell growth, gene activity, and how cells use acetate and butyrate. They also study mice that lack certain short-chain fatty acid enzymes to learn whether these changes make the colon more likely to develop tumors. The work combines analysis of human tumors, cell experiments, and animal models to link tumor metabolism with cancer behavior.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If this work holds up, it could point to new ways to slow or prevent colorectal cancer by restoring ACSS2 function or targeting short-chain fatty acid metabolism.
How similar studies have gone: Metabolism-targeting approaches have shown promise in preclinical cancer studies, but using ACSS2 manipulation specifically to limit colon cancer is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wotton, David — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Wotton, David
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Colon Cancer Family Registry Cohort study for smarter prevention and care
A large international group is following thousands of people with colorectal cancer and their relatives to better understand risk, causes, and outcomes so future patients can get better guidance and treatment.
-
Bioengineered Networking Microbes for Targeted Colon Cancer Therapy
A project tests a engineered bacteria-based therapy designed to target colon tumors and boost the body’s immune response in people with colon cancer.
-
How DNA methylation patterns are kept in colon cancer and what happens when they’re disrupted
Researchers are studying how the molecular marks that control gene activity are maintained in colon cancer and how breaking these marks affects cancer growth and treatment response.
-
Adaptive aerobic exercise plans during chemotherapy for colon cancer
This study tests personalized aerobic exercise during chemotherapy for people with colon cancer to help them stay on their planned treatment schedule and reduce side effects.
-
Immune regulation in colon cancer and its spread to lymph nodes and liver
A patient-friendly look at how immune system circuits in colorectal cancer and its metastases may influence treatment responses and outcomes.
-
Biomarker discovery in colon cancer with advanced metabolomics
A new project will use advanced chemical analysis to find blood- and tissue-based markers that indicate colon cancer and its progression.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.