How the body's clock and the cancer protein MYC affect colon cells
Circadian Clock and Myc-dependent Regulation of Cellular Transformation
This project looks at whether changes in the body's circadian clock and a cancer-related protein called MYC drive colorectal cancer, especially in younger people and those with APC gene mutations.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11235931 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use lab-grown cells, mouse models, and analyses of human tumor samples to study how disruptions in the circadian clock and activity of the MYC protein contribute to colon cell transformation. They manipulate genes involved in colorectal cancer (like APC) and clock genes (like BMAL1/ARNTL), and change diets and timing of feeding to see how these factors affect tumor growth. The team measures molecular signals, tumor development, and gene activity to link clock disruption with cancer-driving pathways. They also compare their lab findings to data from human colorectal tumors to determine whether the same clock-related changes occur in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer—especially early-onset cases (about ages 15–40) or those with APC mutations—would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or whose tumors are driven by completely different molecular pathways may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat early-onset colorectal cancer by targeting circadian rhythms or MYC-related pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked circadian disruption and MYC activity to cancer in animals and some human data, but applying these findings specifically to early-onset colorectal cancer is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Masri, Selma — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Masri, Selma
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.