Impact of fasting on intestinal stem cells and cancer (policy: patient-facing)
Official title: Impact of fasting on intestinal stem cells and cancer
Funded at Massachusetts Institute of Technology · NIH-11367109 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant explores how fasting and refeeding affect gut stem cells and colorectal cancer risk in mouse and organoid models, with potential implications for people concerned about gut health and cancer risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $431,624 |
| NIH project number | 2R01CA245314-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11367109 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants are individuals at risk for colorectal cancer or those interested in gut health and nutrition, though this project uses animal and organoid models.
✕Less likely to help
Direct patient benefit cannot be guaranteed; findings are in preclinical models and may take time to translate to people.
What this research studies
This research looks at how cycles of fasting followed by eating influence the cells in the intestine that repair the gut, and how these changes might affect early tumor development. Using mouse models and organoid systems, researchers will study polyamine metabolism and amino acids like proline to understand how these dietary cycles can both improve regeneration and, in some contexts, raise cancer risk. The team plans to test whether targeting polyamine pathways during fasting-refeeding can reduce cancer initiation and progression in preclinical models. Findings may guide future dietary or metabolic strategies to support gut health while minimizing cancer risk.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could inform dietary approaches or metabolic targets to promote gut repair while reducing colorectal cancer risk.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that fasting can boost tissue regeneration, but its impact on cancer risk is complex and still being explored.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yilmaz, Omer — Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Yilmaz, Omer
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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.