Investigating the role of T helper cells and stem cells in colon health and cancer development
Official title: T helper cells and stem cells in colon homeostasis and tumor initiation
Funded at Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11073768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells and stem cells in the colon work together and might affect the development of colon cancer, with the hope that what we learn could help create better ways to prevent or treat this disease for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 15, 2025 |
| Project end | January 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $715,501 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK142438-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11073768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with a history of colon neoplasia or those at high risk for developing colon cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-colon-related cancers or those without any risk factors for colon cancer may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how specific T helper cells and stem cells contribute to the health of the colon and the initiation of colon cancer. It focuses on a newly identified population of intestinal stem cells marked by Fgfbp1, which may play a crucial role in the development of colon tumors. By examining the interactions between these stem cells and T helper cells, the research aims to understand how inflammation and immune responses influence cancer progression. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new prevention or treatment strategies for colon cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating colon cancer by targeting specific immune and stem cell interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of immune cells in cancer development, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Columbia University Health Sciences
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Han, Arnold — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Han, Arnold
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.