BRAF mutations in serrated colon cancer: how early changes drive cancer from stem cells
Official title: Mechanisms of Serrated Colon Tumor Suppression
Funded at Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. · NIH-11355514 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant studies how a BRAF mutation pushes colon stem cells toward cancer, with the aim of catching it early or preventing it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Piscataway, United States) |
| Project start | June 8, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $392,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA190558-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355514 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with serrated polyps or a risk of serrated colon cancer, and patients whose tumors show BRAFV600E mutation or related pathway alterations.
✕Less likely to help
People without serrated polyp risk or BRAFV600E-related pathways are unlikely to experience direct benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how oncogenic BRAFV600E mutations affect colon stem cells in living models, focusing on the ERK signaling pathway and changes in chromatin. They will use models that mimic human serrated colon cancer to understand early steps that lead to tumor formation. The work builds on prior findings that BRAF mutations can push cells toward differentiation, yet loss of key transcription factors can restart tumor development. By comparing normal and mutant stem cells, the study aims to identify molecular markers and mechanisms that reveal why some people are more susceptible. The ultimate goal is to inform new strategies for early detection and prevention in patients with serrated polyp-related colon cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: It could lead to earlier detection methods or prevention strategies for serrated colon cancer driven by BRAF mutations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in this area have shown that BRAF-related pathways and transcription factors influence serrated tumor development, suggesting potential translational value.
Where this research is happening
-
Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
Piscataway, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Verzi, Michael P. — Rutgers, the State Univ of N.j.
- Study coordinator: Verzi, Michael P.
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.