How colon cell contacts and small RNAs affect the colon lining
Colon cell mechanoregulation through an E-cadherin - associated RNAi machinery
This work looks at whether the cell-adhesion protein E-cadherin and its partner PLEKHA7 control small RNA programs that help keep colon lining cells healthy, which could matter for people with colon fibrosis or colon cancer.
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-11327367 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If I were to get involved, researchers would study colon cells in the lab and compare patient tissue and cell models to see how E-cadherin and PLEKHA7 bring RNA interference machinery and microRNAs to cell junctions that control gene activity. They will apply physical stresses that mimic the extracellular matrix changes seen in fibrosis to see how those forces change small-RNA control and trigger oncogene activity. The team will also analyze tumor samples from patients to confirm whether the same disruptions occur in real colorectal disease.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal fibrosis, precancerous colon changes, or colon cancer who can provide tissue samples or allow use of surgical specimens would be most relevant.
Not a fit: People without colorectal disease or those seeking an immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this laboratory-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new molecular targets or tests to help prevent or slow progression from fibrosis to colon cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Related basic research has linked cell adhesion to microRNA regulation, but applying this specific junctional RNAi mechanism to prevent or treat colorectal disease is new and not yet proven in patients.
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.