Fetal-like stem cells in colorectal (colon) cancer
Functional and molecular characterization of Oncofetal Stem Cells in CRC
Researchers will look at fetal-like stem cells that may help colorectal tumors grow to find signals that could be stopped to prevent recurrence and treatment resistance for people with colon cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11180436 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will identify and characterize 'oncofetal' (fetal-like) stem cells found in colorectal tumors using detailed molecular profiling of tumor samples. The team will use patient-derived tissues, 3-D organoid models, and animal experiments to test how these cells drive tumor growth, spread, and resistance to therapy. They will compare the oncofetal cells with known LGR5+ cancer stem cells to understand their distinct roles in tumor evolution. The researchers aim to find specific markers or pathways that could become targets for future tests or treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal (colon) cancer—especially those with advanced, recurrent, or treatment-resistant disease who can donate tumor tissue or join translational studies—would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients without colorectal cancer or those already cured by early surgery are unlikely to see direct benefit from this basic/translational research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets or diagnostic markers that help prevent recurrence and overcome treatment resistance in colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have reported transcriptional signs of fetal-like cells in tumors, but functional proof and therapeutic targeting remain largely new and unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mzoughi, Slim — Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
- Study coordinator: Mzoughi, Slim
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.