How changes in an RNA-binding protein affect colorectal cancer
Understanding the role of RNA-binding protein mutations in cancer
Researchers are testing whether a change in a protein called PCBP1 drives colorectal cancer and makes some patients' tumors resist treatments like cetuximab.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dartmouth College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Hanover, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112386 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work focuses on PCBP1, a protein that normally helps suppress tumors and is mutated in about 3% of colorectal cancers. Researchers will study a specific mutation (L100Q) to see how it changes PCBP1's function using tumor samples, lab-grown cells, and animal models. They will examine whether the mutation activates cancer-promoting signals and contributes to resistance to anti-EGFR drugs such as cetuximab. The team plans to connect lab findings with patient data to help guide future tests or treatments for people with colorectal cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with colorectal cancer, especially those whose tumors carry PCBP1 mutations or who have stopped responding to anti-EGFR therapy like cetuximab.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or whose tumors do not have PCBP1 mutations are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could explain why some colorectal cancers stop responding to cetuximab and point to new tests or treatment strategies for affected patients.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked RNA-binding proteins and PCBP1 changes to cancer and drug resistance, but the specific effects of the L100Q mutation are only recently suggested and remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Hanover, United States
- Dartmouth College — Hanover, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Malaney, Prerna — Dartmouth College
- Study coordinator: Malaney, Prerna
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.