How toxin-producing E. coli may drive early-onset colorectal cancer
Determining the mechanism of pks+ E.coli-associated carcinogenesis in early onset colorectal cancer.
Looking at whether toxin-making E. coli in the gut contributes to colorectal cancer in adults under 50.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11343057 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will look for a specific DNA mutational signature tied to pks+ E. coli in patient tumor samples using targeted sequencing and compare findings with clinical data. They will grow patient-derived organoids from colon tissue to observe how the bacteria and its toxin (colibactin) damage human cells. Laboratory mouse models and chromatin assays (including ATAC-seq) will be used to study how the toxin changes cell behavior and gene regulation and speeds carcinogenesis. The team aims to explain why these bacterial effects appear linked to younger adults with colorectal cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults with colorectal cancer—especially those diagnosed before age 50—or patients willing to provide colon tissue, tumor samples, or clinical data.
Not a fit: People without colorectal disease and those seeking immediate personal treatment benefit are unlikely to gain direct medical benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable new screening markers, preventive strategies, or microbiome-targeted therapies to lower risk of early-onset colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Whole-genome studies have already found the pks-associated mutational signature in some tumors, but proving causation with patient-derived organoids and chromatin profiling is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'reilly, Eileen Mary — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: O'reilly, Eileen Mary
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.