Fructose's role in helping colorectal cancer cells survive
Molecular Mechanisms of Fructose-induced Colorectal Cancer Cell Survival
Researchers want to find out whether the sugar fructose helps colorectal cancer cells survive and grow, which could matter for people with colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York University School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249668 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses mouse experiments, lab-grown human tumor organoids, and cell and protein tests to map how fructose affects tumor metabolism. Investigators will give mice high-fructose corn syrup and use genetic and drug methods to alter the enzyme pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) to see if fructose-driven metabolites promote tumor growth. They will grow human colorectal cancer organoids and cancer cells to measure fructose-derived fructose-1-phosphate (F1P), pyruvate kinase activity, and cell survival under stress. Biochemical tests on recombinant proteins will check whether F1P directly blocks PK activity, linking diet to cancer cell survival.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with colorectal cancer or patients willing to donate tumor tissue or blood samples for research would be the most relevant participants.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or whose tumors do not rely on fructose-driven metabolism may not receive direct benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal metabolic targets related to fructose that lead to new dietary advice or therapies to slow colorectal cancer growth.
How similar studies have performed: Prior mouse studies, including work from this team, have shown fructose can promote intestinal tumors, but directly linking fructose-produced F1P to PKM2 inhibition is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- New York University School of Medicine — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goncalves, Marcus Dasilva — New York University School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Goncalves, Marcus Dasilva
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.