Drugs that block NR4A1 to slow colon cancer and boost immune attack
NR4A1 Antagonists Inhibit Colorectal Cancer Growth and Enhance Immune Surveillance
This project tests whether drugs that block the NR4A1 protein can slow tumor growth and help the immune system fight colorectal (colon) cancer in people with that disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas A&m University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250008 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing drugs called NR4A1 antagonists that aim to block a protein thought to help colorectal tumors grow. They will use laboratory studies and animal models to see whether these drugs slow tumor growth and increase immune cell activity, and will compare the antagonists alone and combined with standard chemotherapy such as 5-FU. The team will also analyze tumor samples to measure immune markers and drug effects on cancer cells. If the lab and animal results are promising, the work would support moving these drugs into clinical trials for patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People diagnosed with colorectal (colon) cancer, especially those with advanced, recurrent, or treatment-resistant disease, would be the most likely candidates for future trials stemming from this work.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer, or whose tumors do not rely on NR4A1-related biology, are unlikely to benefit from these specific drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could slow tumor growth and make existing treatments like chemotherapy and immunotherapy work better for people with colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related approaches targeting tumor-promoting proteins have shown promise in lab and animal studies, but targeting NR4A1 in humans is relatively new and clinical evidence is limited.
Where this research is happening
College Station, United States
- Texas A&m University — College Station, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Safe, Stephen H. — Texas A&m University
- Study coordinator: Safe, Stephen H.
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.