How helper immune cells and a new type of colon stem cell affect early colon tumors
T helper cells and stem cells in colon homeostasis and tumor initiation
This research looks at how certain helper immune cells and a newly found type of colon stem cell influence early tumor development in people at risk for colon cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11301825 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project follows a recently discovered population of colon stem cells marked by Fgfbp1 and examines how helper (T) immune cells and their signals change these cells' behavior. Researchers will use lab models of colon tissue, including cell-based cultures and animal models, along with molecular analyses, to track whether Fgfbp1+ cells self-renew or convert into tumor cells. The team will examine the effects of chronic inflammation and different T helper cell types on early tumor formation and how these processes produce different tumor subtypes. The goal is to link immune signals to the cell-of-origin of colon tumors to inform new prevention or early-intervention approaches.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People most relevant to this work include adults with chronic colonic inflammation, precancerous colon lesions, or other increased risk for colon cancer.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced or metastatic colon cancer are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early-stage basic and translational research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or interrupt early colon cancer by targeting immune signals or the Fgfbp1+ stem cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that certain T helper cells and cytokines influence colon tumor development in mice and humans, but using Fgfbp1 to mark colon stem cells and connect them to tumor origins is a new approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Arnold — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Han, Arnold
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.