How the PTPRT gene affects colon cancer growth and spread
Role of PTPRT in colon cancer progression and metastasis
['FUNDING_R01'] · CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11137753
Researchers are looking at whether changes in a gene called PTPRT change how colon cancer grows and spreads, which could help people with colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11137753 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project studies a gene called PTPRT that can change cancer cell proteins by removing a chemical group called a nitro-group. The team found that loss of PTPRT’s 'denitrase' function raises tumor risk in mice and that PTPRT mutations are more common in metastatic human colorectal cancers. Researchers will use mouse models, cell experiments, and analyses of human tumor data to see how PTPRT-controlled changes to ERK and paxillin affect tumor growth and spread. The work aims to clarify whether these molecular changes could be markers or targets to slow or stop metastasis.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with colorectal cancer—especially those with advanced or metastatic disease or tumors that carry PTPRT mutations—would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or whose tumors do not involve PTPRT-related changes are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new markers or drug targets to help prevent or treat spread of colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and mouse studies support the role of PTPRT denitrase activity in tumor development and some bioinformatics analyses link PTPRT mutations to metastasis, but clinical treatments targeting this pathway are not yet available.
Where this research is happening
CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES
- CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY — CLEVELAND, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WANG, ZHENGHE — CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: WANG, ZHENGHE
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.
Conditions: Cancer Cause, Cancer Causing Agents, Cancer Etiology, Cancers