How bile acids affect gut immune cells in colorectal cancer
Official title: The regulation of gut macrophage’s function by the bile acid receptor FXR
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11075199 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how bile acids affect immune cells in the gut and how this might relate to the development of colorectal cancer in people with inflammatory bowel disease, with the goal of finding better ways to detect and treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $355,706 |
| NIH project number | 5R37CA288447-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075199 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those with ulcerative colitis, who are at risk for developing colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without inflammatory bowel disease or those who do not have a history of colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of bile acids and their receptor, FXR, in regulating the function of gut macrophages, which are important immune cells in the intestines. It focuses on understanding how these macrophages respond to bile acids and how this interaction may influence the progression of colitis-associated colorectal cancer (CAC). By studying the mechanisms involved, the research aims to improve early detection and treatment strategies for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who are at risk for CAC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved methods for early detection and treatment of colorectal cancer in patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of bile acids in gut health, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights into colorectal cancer.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fu, Ting — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Fu, Ting
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.