How DNA methylation patterns are kept in colon cancer and what happens when they’re disrupted
Official title: Regulation of DNA methylation inheritance in colon cancer
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11447596 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how the molecular marks that control gene activity are maintained in colon cancer and how breaking these marks affects cancer growth and treatment response.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | August 6, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $119,105 |
| NIH project number | 1R50CA315355-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11447596 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with colon cancer or preclinical models of colon cancer whose doctors may consider epigenetic targets for therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without colon cancer or without conditions related to DNA methylation mechanisms may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the enzymes and signaling interactions that preserve DNA methylation patterns in colon cancer and how these processes influence tumor behavior. Using a combination of bioinformatics and laboratory analysis, the team investigates how ubiquitin signaling affects DNMT1 and genome-wide methylation, chromatin, and gene expression. The work builds on prior studies to create models that reveal mechanisms driving cancer progression and potential points for therapy. By integrating experimental data with computational analyses, the study aims to identify biomarkers and therapeutic strategies relevant to patients with colon cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve colon cancer treatment and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that disrupting DNA methylation maintenance can alter cancer cell behavior and identify potential therapy targets, supporting further investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tiedemann, Rochelle Lee — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Tiedemann, Rochelle Lee
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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.