How RNA and gene-splicing differences affect colorectal cancer in different ethnic and ancestry groups
Elucidating the role of transcriptomics in driving ethnicity and ancestry-related disparities in colorectal cancer
This project looks at whether differences in RNA splicing and related gene signals in colorectal tumors from people of different ethnic and ancestral backgrounds change how their cancers behave and respond to immunotherapy.
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-11323192 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will compare tumor tissue and molecular data from colorectal cancer patients of different ethnic and ancestral backgrounds to find RNA splicing changes and unusual tumor proteins (neoantigens). They will use transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics to pinpoint splicing events that may drive poor outcomes or change immune recognition. Selected findings will be tested in the lab, including functional experiments (for example using CRISPR in cell models) to see if specific splice variants alter tumor behavior or immune response. The goal is to connect molecular patterns with clinical features like treatment response and prognosis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer who can provide tumor tissue or clinical data, especially those from underrepresented ethnic or ancestral groups, would be appropriate candidates to contribute samples or participate in related clinical components.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or whose tumors lack the specific splicing or immune features studied are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help tailor immunotherapy and point to new treatment targets that reduce colorectal cancer disparities across ethnic and ancestry groups.
How similar studies have performed: Prior research has shown that splice-derived neoantigens can boost immune recognition in some cancers, but applying transcriptomics to explain ancestry-related differences in colorectal cancer is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- Cedars-Sinai Medical Center — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Figueiredo, Jane C. — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Figueiredo, Jane C.
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.