How sleep and body clock affect inflammation and colon cancer risk
Official title: Role of Circadian Factors in Inflammation and Colorectal Adenoma Risk
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-10691871 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how our sleep patterns and body clocks might affect the risk of developing certain growths in the colon that can lead to cancer, especially in African Americans, and it hopes to find ways to improve sleep and reduce cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2019 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $243,641 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA231321-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-10691871 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include African American and European American individuals who are undergoing screening colonoscopies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have adenomatous polyps or are not undergoing screening colonoscopies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the connection between circadian rhythms, sleep patterns, and the risk of developing colorectal adenomas, which can lead to colorectal cancer. It focuses on understanding how disruptions in sleep and circadian timing may increase inflammation and alter DNA methylation, particularly in African American populations who may experience these issues more acutely. By examining patients undergoing screening colonoscopies, the study aims to identify molecular mechanisms linking circadian factors to adenoma risk. The findings could provide insights into how improving sleep and circadian health might reduce cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing colorectal cancer by addressing sleep and circadian rhythm disruptions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated that circadian rhythm disruptions can influence inflammation and cancer risk, suggesting that this approach has potential for meaningful insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Burch, James — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Burch, James
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A diet shift toward more plants and fewer animal products is being tested to see if it changes gut bile acids and microbiome in adults with a history of colorectal adenoma.
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This project will test whether an AI tool that combines white-light, magnified chromoendoscopy, NBI, and pathology images can help doctors identify colorectal tubular adenomas in adults undergoing colonoscopy.
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.