How ceramides (a type of fat) may drive metabolic problems and colon cancer
Ceramides as novel drivers of metabolic dysfunction and colorectal cancer
This project looks at whether higher blood levels of ceramides, a type of fat, link obesity-related metabolic problems to higher colorectal cancer risk in adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11403587 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have obesity or type 2 diabetes, researchers will compare blood samples from large international patient groups to see whether specific ceramide patterns relate to later colorectal cancer and to common dietary habits. They will combine those human findings with lab and animal experiments to test how ceramides affect intestinal stem cells and tumor growth. The team aims to develop a blood-based ceramide risk score and to identify dietary or drug approaches that lower ceramide levels. Overall the work is focused on prevention—finding markers and strategies that could reduce colon cancer risk tied to metabolic disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with obesity, metabolic syndrome, or type 2 diabetes, and people enrolled in large cohorts who can provide blood samples and diet information, best match this project.
Not a fit: People without metabolic risk factors (normal weight and no diabetes) or those already living with advanced, late-stage colorectal cancer are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this prevention-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable blood tests that flag higher colon cancer risk and point to diet or drug changes to lower that risk.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked ceramides to insulin resistance and metabolic disease, but using ceramide profiles as a blood-based colorectal cancer risk marker and testing interventions is a newer, less-tested direction.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Playdon, Mary Christine — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Playdon, Mary Christine
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.