Exploring how bacteria influence cancer development and treatment.
Official title: Interrogating the Role of Bacterial Methyl-modifying Enzymes in Pathoadaptation and Host Epigenetic Interference in Cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-10999811 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain bacteria might change our genes and help cancer grow, especially in people with colorectal cancer, to find new ways to prevent and treat the disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $692,241 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA290034-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999811 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer or those at high risk for developing this type of cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with cancers unrelated to bacterial influences or those who do not have colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific bacterial enzymes in the development of cancer, particularly how they may alter the human genome and contribute to tumor growth. By studying the interaction between bacteria and cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment, the researchers aim to identify potential therapeutic targets for cancer prevention and treatment. The study utilizes advanced genetic and microbiological techniques to analyze bacterial strains found in colorectal cancer patients, focusing on their impact on cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing and treating cancer by targeting bacterial influences on tumor development.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the relationship between the microbiome and cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnston, Christopher D — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Johnston, Christopher D
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
HIV-related cervical cancer screening and care in LMICs (AVANÇO HAMRC)
A multi-country effort to build sustainable research infrastructure and low-cost cervical cancer screening and treatment methods for women living with HIV in Brazil and Mozambique.
-
HIV-associated cervical cancer care infrastructure in LMICs
A program to build sustainable research infrastructure and bring low-cost cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment to women with HIV in Brazil and Mozambique.
-
HIV-associated cervical cancer screening and care network in LMICs
A multinational program aims to build affordable, practical cervical cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment methods for women living with HIV in Brazil and Mozambique.
-
Mapping HIV-like SIV Reservoirs in the Brain with Advanced PET Imaging
This project develops brain-targeted imaging probes to map SIV reservoirs in the central nervous system of infected macaques, aiming to improve our understanding of how HIV-like viruses hide in the brain.
-
Telomerase in Alzheimer’s Disease: how aging biology could influence memory and brain health
Researchers are exploring a new brain-aging mechanism linked to telomerase, with potential to slow or modify Alzheimer’s disease in people and improve cognitive function.
-
Germline clues to skin-related immune side effects from cancer immunotherapy
This grant looks for genetic clues in people treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors to understand why some develop skin-related immune side effects.
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.