Investigating how Wnt signaling affects colon tumors and normal cells.
Official title: Differential Wnt Dependencies in Colon Epithelium.
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-10912792 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a specific signaling pathway in the body, called Wnt signaling, can be used to help treat colon growths that can lead to cancer, especially for people with mutations in the APC gene, by finding new ways to boost this signaling instead of blocking it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $196,204 |
| NIH project number | 5K08CA277011-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912792 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with adenomatous polyps or those at risk for colorectal cancer due to APC gene mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without adenomatous polyps or those not affected by colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the role of Wnt signaling in colon neoplasia, particularly how mutations in the APC gene lead to colon cancer. The approach involves exploring the therapeutic potential of enhancing Wnt signaling rather than inhibiting it, as previous attempts to block Wnt signaling have not been successful. By studying the dependencies of Wnt signaling in both normal and tumor cells, the research aims to develop a targeted therapy for adenomas, which currently have no effective medical treatment. This could lead to safer and more effective options for treating colorectal cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic approach for treating adenomas and colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of enhancing Wnt signaling is novel, previous research has shown that targeting components of the Wnt signaling pathway can lead to therapeutic advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Eng, George — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Eng, George
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.