Bacterial and human markers linked to colorectal cancer development
Microbial and host biomarkers in colorectal cancer oncogenesis
This project looks for bacterial and human protein markers that help explain and treat colorectal cancer in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11308306 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study Fusobacterium nucleatum, a common mouth bacterium found in many colorectal tumors, and a bacterial protein called FadA that can change into an amyloid-like form. They will examine how amyloid FadA binds to a human protein called Annexin A1, which is higher in growing tumor cells, using cell and animal models and samples from patients. The team will test ways to block this interaction and measure whether these bacterial and host markers could serve as signs of cancer or targets for new treatments. Findings aim to connect lab discoveries to potential tests or therapies for people with colorectal cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer, especially those whose tumors contain Fusobacterium nucleatum or show high Annexin A1, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or whose tumors lack Fusobacterium nucleatum or Annexin A1 are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to tests that detect bacterial and host markers and to treatments that block bacteria-driven tumor growth.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have linked Fusobacterium to colorectal cancer, but targeting the amyloid form of FadA and Annexin A1 as biomarkers or therapies is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Yiping — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Han, Yiping
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.