How R‑spondin changes colorectal cancer's response to the drug asparaginase
Biology of R-Spondin-Induced Sensitization to Asparaginase in Colorectal Cancer
Seeing whether a change called R‑spondin makes some colorectal cancers more vulnerable to the cancer drug asparaginase.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | St. Jude Children's Research Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174433 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are using human colorectal cancer cell lines and genetically engineered mouse intestinal organoids to study tumors with R‑spondin alterations. A genome‑wide genetic screen suggested that activating Wnt signaling can create a dependence on asparagine and increase sensitivity to asparaginase. The team is comparing tumors that have R‑spondin translocations to those with downstream APC mutations to identify which cancers respond. They are also studying the mechanism—how inhibition of GSK3 and reduced protein degradation lowers amino acid supply and creates this vulnerability.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with colorectal cancer whose tumors have R‑spondin fusions/translocations or other Wnt‑activating alterations that operate upstream of GSK3.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors harbor downstream Wnt mutations such as APC loss, or who lack R‑spondin alterations, are unlikely to benefit from asparaginase based on this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could repurpose the existing drug asparaginase for a specific molecular subset of colorectal cancer, providing a new treatment option for patients who currently lack targeted therapies.
How similar studies have performed: Related laboratory work showed Wnt activation sensitized leukemia cells to asparaginase, but applying this approach to colorectal cancer is a newer and less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
Memphis, United States
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital — Memphis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gutierrez, Alejandro — St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gutierrez, Alejandro
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.