ACSS2 and colon cancer
The role of ACSS2 in colon cancer
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 ID | NIH-11294303 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wotton, David — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Wotton, David
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 below.