Investigating how a liver hormone affects muscle and bone loss in colorectal cancer patients
Official title: IGFBP1 mediates a liver-bone-muscle axis in colorectal cancer cachexia
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10890678 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $408,037 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR080051-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10890678 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include colorectal cancer patients, especially those experiencing cachexia and liver metastases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without colorectal cancer or those not experiencing cachexia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of IGFBP1, a hormone produced by the liver, in causing muscle and bone loss in patients with colorectal cancer, particularly those with liver metastases. The study aims to explore how elevated levels of IGFBP1 contribute to cachexia, a serious condition characterized by weight loss and muscle wasting. By examining the effects of IGFBP1 on muscle and bone cells, the researchers hope to identify potential new treatments that could alleviate these debilitating symptoms. The approach includes both laboratory studies and animal models to assess the impact of IGFBP1 and test anti-IGFBP1 therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent or reduce muscle and bone loss in colorectal cancer patients suffering from cachexia.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of IGFBP1 in cachexia is being explored, similar research has shown promise in targeting metabolic pathways to improve outcomes in cancer-related muscle and bone loss.
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 and a liver-bone-muscle link in colorectal cancer cachexia
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.
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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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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.
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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.