How genes and lifestyle work together to affect colorectal cancer risk

An integrative omics approach to investigate gene-environment interaction in colorectal cancer risk

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11086707

This project looks at how people's genes and everyday factors like diet, weight, alcohol, and medicines change the chances of getting colorectal cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11086707 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

If you participate, researchers will combine detailed genetic data, single-cell multi-omics (which looks at individual cells), and health and lifestyle information from many people to see how genes and environment interact. They will use large, diverse groups of patients and new deep-learning computer tools to predict how specific genetic changes might change risk depending on lifestyle or biological markers. The goal is to find which modifiable factors raise or lower genetic risk so doctors could target prevention for people at higher inherited risk. The team will harmonize clinical and epidemiological records with genome-wide data and lab-based single-cell profiling to connect population findings to biological mechanisms.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with or without colorectal cancer who can share medical records, lifestyle information, or genetic samples, especially from diverse backgrounds.

Not a fit: People who cannot provide health or genetic information or who are unwilling to share lifestyle details are unlikely to benefit directly.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to lifestyle or medical changes that lower colorectal cancer risk for people with certain genetic profiles.

How similar studies have performed: Prior studies have identified many genetic and environmental risk factors but combining single-cell multi-omics with large population data and deep learning is relatively new and still emerging.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.