Blocking C5aR1 to protect healthy bowel and make colorectal tumors more sensitive to radiation
Project 1: Inhibition of Complement C5aR1 Radioprotects Normal Tissue and Radiosensitizes Tumors
Looks at whether blocking a protein called C5aR1 can protect normal intestinal tissue while making colorectal tumors more sensitive to radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11178468 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses lab-grown colorectal cancer cells and mouse models to test whether blocking the C5aR1 receptor changes how tumors and normal gut tissue respond to radiation. Researchers give radiation with and without C5aR1 blockade and measure tumor cell death, intestinal damage, immune cell changes, and signaling molecules like IL-10, AKT, and NF-κB. They examine intestinal tissue structure, levels of apoptosis, and the presence of protective macrophages to explain why healthy tissue might be spared while tumors become more vulnerable. Results are intended to guide development of treatments that reduce radiation side effects and improve tumor control.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer who are receiving or may receive abdominal radiation would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials.
Not a fit: Patients without colorectal or other abdominal tumors, or those not treated with radiation, are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reduce radiation damage to the intestines while making colorectal tumors easier to kill, potentially improving treatment outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Work linking complement signaling to cancer exists, but using C5aR1 blockade to both protect normal gut tissue and sensitize tumors to radiation is largely novel and supported mainly by preclinical data.
Where this research is happening
Stanford, United States
- Stanford University — Stanford, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Graves, Edward E. — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Graves, Edward E.
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.