How the LIN28B protein affects colorectal cancer cell behavior and spread
Official title: LIN28B promotes colorectal cancer differentiation and metastasis
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11306099 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are learning how the LIN28B protein changes cell identity and helps colorectal cancer cells spread, with the goal of helping people with colorectal 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 start | March 1, 2000 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $377,932 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA277795-25 |
| Project ID | NIH-11306099 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with a diagnosis of colorectal cancer—especially those with tumors that overexpress LIN28B or who have metastatic disease—would be the most relevant group for this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without colorectal cancer or whose tumors do not show LIN28B-related changes are unlikely to benefit directly from this project in the short term.
What this research studies
This work looks at how the LIN28B protein changes colorectal cancer cells from within, using a mix of laboratory models and human tumor samples. The team uses genetically engineered mice that develop colon tumors and analyzes human tumor specimens to see how LIN28B alters genes like CDX2, CLDN1, and NOTCH3. They examine how those changes affect cell adhesion, tight junctions, and the ability of cancer cells to invade and form metastases. The goal is to map the molecular steps LIN28B uses so future treatments or tests can target the process that enables spread.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could identify new molecular targets or biomarkers to help stop or detect colorectal cancer spread earlier.
How similar studies have gone: Previous animal models and analyses of human tumor samples have linked LIN28B to worse colorectal cancer outcomes, but translating these findings into treatments is still at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rustgi, Anil K — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Rustgi, Anil K
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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.