How aging colon tissue helps early colorectal cancer grow
The role of the senescent microenvironment on cancer initiating cells in the colon.
Researchers want to see if aged, 'senescent' cells in the colon make it easier for early cancer cells to start and grow in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141640 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at colon tissue from older people and lab experiments to understand how aged, senescent fibroblasts change the local tissue environment. The team studies human colon samples and uses ex vivo models to see whether secreted factors from senescent cells (the SASP) activate cancer-driving pathways in cells that already carry mutations. They compare colon tissue from elderly and high-risk people with tissue from younger or low-risk donors to find differences in senescent cells and signals. The goal is to pinpoint how the aged microenvironment helps turn mutated cells into cancer so therapies could target that environment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are older adults or people at elevated risk for colorectal cancer who are willing to provide colon tissue or biopsies, often during a routine colonoscopy at a participating center.
Not a fit: Younger people without colorectal cancer risk factors or those not able to provide tissue samples are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to ways to prevent or slow colorectal cancer in older adults by targeting the aged tissue environment.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and ex vivo studies, including the investigators' preliminary data, show senescent colon fibroblasts can promote cancer-like behavior, but translating this into clinical prevention or treatment is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grady, William Mallory — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Grady, William Mallory
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.