How cell junctions affect colon cell behavior and cancer development
Epithelial adherens junctions regulate colon cell behavior through RNAi and lncRNAs
This study is looking at how certain connections between colon cells help keep them healthy and how problems with these connections might lead to issues like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer, with the goal of finding new ways to treat these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10798195 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of epithelial adherens junctions in maintaining the integrity of colon cells and how their dysfunction may lead to conditions like inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. The study focuses on the interaction between these junctions and RNA interference (RNAi) mechanisms, particularly looking at specific proteins and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that may influence cell behavior. By analyzing colon cancer cell lines and patient samples, the researchers aim to uncover the underlying mechanisms that contribute to cancer progression and identify potential therapeutic targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with colon cancer or inflammatory bowel disease.
Not a fit: Patients with other types of cancer or gastrointestinal disorders unrelated to epithelial integrity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating colon cancer and inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of cell junctions and RNAi in cancer biology, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Charleston, United States
- Medical University of South Carolina — Charleston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kourtidis, Antonis — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Kourtidis, Antonis
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.