How colon cells and gut bacteria influence early colon polyps
Shaping of the Microenvironment in Colonic Pre-Cancer by Epithelia and Microbiota
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11176195
This effort looks at how colon cells and gut bacteria make early polyps more or less likely to turn into cancer in people with colonic pre-cancers.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11176195 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If I have a colon polyp, this center's team at Vanderbilt is studying two common polyp types—adenomas and sessile serrated lesions—to learn why some progress toward cancer and others stay harmless. Researchers are studying immune cells, molecules released by tumors, and specific gut bacteria that can damage DNA to see how they change the local tissue environment. Some lab projects look at cell-to-cell signals like neutrophil interactions and antigen presentation, while a translational project follows people over time to link a pks+ E. coli type to polyp behavior. The goal is to connect findings from tissue and animal models with samples and data from people under colon surveillance.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults who have adenomas or sessile serrated polyps found on colonoscopy or who are being followed in a colon polyp surveillance program are the most relevant candidates for participation.
Not a fit: People without colonic pre-cancers or those with advanced metastatic colorectal cancer are unlikely to benefit directly from this pre-cancer-focused work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better ways to predict which polyps will become cancerous and new prevention strategies to stop progression.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has linked certain gut bacteria and immune changes to colorectal cancer risk, but combining microbial, immune, and cell-stemness pathways in this translational center is a relatively new, more integrated approach.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHRUBSOLE, MARTHA J. — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: SHRUBSOLE, MARTHA J.
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.