Investigating how a specific enzyme affects colorectal cancer growth
Official title: Role of the tRNA methyltransferase AlkBH8 in Colorectal Cancer
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11044986 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific enzyme called AlkBH8 affects the growth of colorectal cancer cells, and it's for anyone interested in understanding more about how cancer develops and finding new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 28, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $174,483 |
| NIH project number | 5R21CA286898-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11044986 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer who may benefit from novel therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-colorectal cancers or those without active cancer may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the role of the enzyme AlkBH8 in colorectal cancer, particularly how it influences cancer cell growth and survival. The study will explore the mechanisms by which loss of AlkBH8 leads to growth arrest in cancer cells, using both laboratory models and animal studies. By understanding the modifications of tRNA that AlkBH8 facilitates, researchers aim to uncover new insights into cancer biology and potential therapeutic targets.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating colorectal cancer by targeting the mechanisms of cancer cell growth.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific role of AlkBH8 in colorectal cancer is not extensively studied, related research on tRNA modifications in cancer has shown promising results.
Where this research is happening
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University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Koutmos, Markos — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Koutmos, Markos
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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.