How Wnt proteins are transported inside cells
Molecular Mechanisms of Wnt Transport
['FUNDING_R01'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11173895
This research looks at how cells move Wnt proteins, which play a key role in bowel (colorectal) cancer.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11173895 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers will use high-resolution structural methods such as cryo-electron microscopy together with biochemical and cell-based tests to see how the transporter protein WLS binds and hands off Wnt proteins. The team will build on a recently solved human WLS–WNT8A structure and make targeted changes to the proteins to see which parts are needed for transport. Experiments will use purified human proteins and cellular models to mimic the steps of Wnt modification and delivery to receptors. Mapping these steps will help identify where drugs might block harmful Wnt signaling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients as a clinical trial, but people with bowel (colorectal) cancer who are willing to donate tissue samples or participate in related translational efforts would be most relevant.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment benefit or those whose cancer is not driven by Wnt signaling are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets to block Wnt signaling and lead to better treatments for bowel cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Structural and biochemical studies have clarified mechanisms in similar signaling systems, and the team has already solved the WLS–WNT8A structure, so the approach rests on promising preliminary data.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MANCIA, FILIPPO — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: MANCIA, FILIPPO
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: Bowel Cancer