How gut bacteria and immune signals may drive pre-cancer changes in ulcerative colitis
Role of innate immunity and the microbiome in colitis associated dysplasia
This project looks at whether changes in gut bacteria and an enzyme called DUOX2 cause pre-cancerous (dysplasia) changes in people with ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11382262 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers combine analyses of patient colon biopsies with lab experiments and animal models to understand how DUOX2 and the microbiome interact in ulcerative colitis. They measure DUOX2-driven hydrogen peroxide production in intestinal cells, test how that affects epithelial barrier function, and track recruitment of tumor-promoting immune cells. The team manipulates gut bacteria and DUOX2 activity in models to see which changes lead to dysplasia. Findings aim to connect specific microbes and immune signals to the early steps that can lead to cancer or colectomy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with ulcerative colitis, particularly those undergoing surveillance colonoscopy or with a history of dysplasia, would be the most relevant participants or sample sources.
Not a fit: People without inflammatory bowel disease or with only non-colonic conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new tests or treatments to prevent dysplasia and reduce the need for colectomy in people with ulcerative colitis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior laboratory and animal studies show DUOX2 is increased in IBD biopsies and that chronic DUOX2 activity can drive tumors while removing DUOX2 reduces tumor formation, but translating this into patient treatments remains early.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abreu, Maria Teresa — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Abreu, Maria Teresa
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.