Investigating how asparagine affects colorectal cancer growth differently in men and women
Official title: Role and Regulation of Asparagine in Colorectal Cancer
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11048625 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how an amino acid called asparagine affects the growth of colorectal cancer tumors in men and women, to see if blocking asparagine can help shrink tumors and improve survival, with the hope of finding new treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $688,092 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA289440-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11048625 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are female patients diagnosed with advanced colorectal cancer, particularly those in stages III-IV.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer or those who are male may not benefit directly from the findings of this research.
What this research studies
This research explores the role of asparagine, an amino acid, in the growth of colorectal cancer (CRC) tumors, particularly focusing on how this process differs between male and female patients. The study aims to understand the metabolic changes in CRC, where female tumors show higher levels of asparagine production, which is linked to poorer outcomes. By using animal models, researchers will investigate the effects of inhibiting asparagine production on tumor size and survival rates, providing insights into potential new treatments. The research also examines the hormonal influences that may contribute to these differences, aiming to uncover mechanisms that could lead to targeted therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatment strategies that specifically target asparagine metabolism in colorectal cancer, improving outcomes for female patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of targeting asparagine metabolism in colorectal cancer is novel, similar research has shown promising results in other cancer types, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Johnson, Caroline Helen — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Johnson, Caroline Helen
Related research
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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.