IGFBP1 and a liver-bone-muscle link in colorectal cancer cachexia
Official title: IGFBP1 mediates a liver-bone-muscle axis in colorectal cancer cachexia
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11382960 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how a liver-made protein (IGFBP1) contributes to muscle and bone wasting in people with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $410,872 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080051-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382960 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with colorectal cancer, especially those with liver metastases, who may experience cachexia.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without colorectal cancer or without cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Colorectal cancer cachexia causes severe muscle and bone loss and harms quality of life. This study focuses on IGFBP1, a liver-derived protein, and how it drives musculoskeletal wasting in colorectal cancer with liver metastases. Researchers use mouse models and cancer samples to explore how IGFBP1 influences muscle breakdown and bone erosion, with early results suggesting that blocking IGFBP1 can protect muscles and bones. The project seeks to identify mechanisms and potential therapies to reduce cachexia-related morbidity in CRC patients with liver involvement.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new treatments that lessen muscle and bone loss in colorectal cancer patients with liver metastases, improving strength and life quality.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data indicate IGFBP1 is elevated in CRC with cachexia and may drive muscle and bone wasting; blocking IGFBP1 showed protective effects in cells and mice.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bonetto, Andrea — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Bonetto, Andrea
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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IGFBP1 — a liver protein linked to muscle and bone loss in colorectal cancer
This work focuses on a liver protein called IGFBP1 that may drive muscle and bone wasting in people with colorectal cancer, especially when the cancer spreads to the liver.
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Investigating how a liver hormone affects muscle and bone loss in colorectal cancer patients
This study is looking at how a hormone called IGFBP1, which comes from the liver, might be causing muscle and bone loss in people with colorectal cancer that has spread to the liver, and it aims to find new ways to help those who are struggling with weight loss and muscle wasting.
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Mitochondrial pores and muscle loss in cancer cachexia
A small US-based study will explore how changes in mitochondria contribute to muscle wasting in people with cancer cachexia and how this may be slowed.
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CANCAN: A Virtual Institute to Cure Cancer Cachexia
A broad, collaborative NIH initiative aims to uncover why cancer patients lose weight and muscle and to develop new ways to treat this serious condition.
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Spatial metabolism mapping in cancer cachexia tissues
Aims to map where and how metabolism changes in tissues affected by cancer cachexia using advanced imaging technology.
-
Nuclear receptors that may stop muscle wasting in cancer
This grant explores whether activating specific muscle-regulating receptors can prevent muscle loss in cancer patients.
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.