How diet and a specific enzyme affect colorectal cancer
Official title: Investigating the Role of Diet and ACSS2 in Metabolic and Epigenetic Regulation of Colorectal Cancer
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10902636 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how what you eat, especially sugar from fruits and fiber, might affect the growth of colorectal cancer, and it aims to find out if changing your diet could help lower your cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $36,662 |
| NIH project number | 1F30CA284848-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10902636 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are individuals at risk for colorectal cancer, including those with a family history or other predisposing factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have already been diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of dietary factors, particularly fructose and fiber, on colorectal cancer (CRC) progression. It focuses on how these dietary components influence metabolic processes and epigenetic changes through a key enzyme called ACSS2, which converts acetate to acetyl-CoA. By understanding the interplay between diet and metabolism, the research aims to identify potential dietary interventions that could reduce cancer risk. Patients may be involved in dietary assessments and interventions to evaluate their effects on cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that significantly lower the risk of colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in dietary interventions for cancer prevention, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Prateek — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Prateek
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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.