Gut bacteria and Tuft-2 cells linked to early colorectal cancer risk in young Black Americans
Official title: Elucidating gut microbiota-driven Tuft-2 cell expansion as a risk factor for neoplastic adenoma development in early-onset CRC among black US residents
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11425469 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant aims to understand how gut microbes and Tuft-2 cells may predict aggressive colon adenomas in young Black adults who develop colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 3, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $543,757 |
| NIH project number | 1R37CA315065-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11425469 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults under 50 of African ancestry with colorectal polyps or early signs suggestive of eoCRC.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without eoCRC risk or African ancestry may not experience direct benefits.
What this research studies
Young Black Americans under 50 have higher early-onset colorectal cancer risk, partly due to metachronous adenomas. The study will investigate how gut bacteria influence Tuft-2 cell expansion and how this relates to tumor formation. Researchers will analyze patient samples and clinical data to uncover mechanisms and potential biomarkers that predict aggressive adenoma development. The goal is to find ways to tailor screening and prevention for this high-risk group.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from earlier or more precise biomarkers to guide prevention and monitoring of aggressive adenomas.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows microbiota and tuft cell biology can influence intestinal tumors, but translating to eoCRC risk in this population is an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sangwan, Naseer — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Sangwan, Naseer
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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.