How a toxin-producing E. coli may drive early colon changes
Colibactin-Producing Escherichia coli as an Environmental Stimulus Shaping Pre-Cancer Progression
This project looks at whether a toxin made by certain E. coli bacteria helps drive early colon growths that can lead to colorectal cancer in people with precancerous polyps.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11176210 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, researchers will analyze colon tissue and stool samples to find E. coli that make the genotoxin colibactin and look for the DNA changes those bacteria cause in human cells. They will combine patient sample analysis with laboratory models to see how these bacteria influence the progression of adenomas and sessile serrated lesions. The team aims to identify molecular markers in tissue or stool that signal which precancers are more likely to progress. Findings will be used to guide future tests or prevention approaches targeting bacteria-linked risk.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have precancerous colon polyps (adenomas or sessile serrated lesions) or who are undergoing colonoscopy with tissue or stool sample collection.
Not a fit: People without colon polyps or whose cancer risk is driven by unrelated inherited genetic syndromes may not receive direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests to tell which colon polyps are most likely to become cancer and to new ways to prevent cancer by targeting harmful gut bacteria.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and genomic studies have linked colibactin-producing E. coli to specific DNA mutation patterns in colorectal tumors, but translating that into patient tests and prevention is still relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shrubsole, Martha J. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Shrubsole, Martha J.
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.