miR-146a: a tiny regulator that may block inflammation that feeds colon cancer
Official title: MicroRNA control of tumor-promoting inflammation in colon cancer
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-11262326 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores whether boosting a small molecule called miR-146a can cut harmful IL-17 inflammation that helps colorectal cancer grow, for people with colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | February 8, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $386,331 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA267479-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11262326 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with colorectal cancer, particularly those whose tumors show signs of inflammation or high IL-17 activity.
✕Less likely to help
People whose cancers are not driven by IL-17–related inflammation or who have non-colorectal cancers are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
What this research studies
The team studies how miR-146a controls IL-17-driven inflammation that promotes colorectal tumors using mouse models and human tumor samples. They examine miR-146a effects in immune (myeloid) cells and in the intestinal lining to see how it limits IL-17 production and IL-17 receptor signaling, including interactions with a protein called RIPK2. Experiments include altering miR-146a levels genetically, measuring inflammatory cytokines, and tracking tumor development in animal models and patient-derived tissues. The goal is to reveal whether restoring or mimicking miR-146a could reduce tumor-promoting inflammation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that lower inflammation-driven tumor growth and improve outcomes for people with colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous laboratory and animal studies have linked miR-146a to reduced intestinal inflammation and less tumor risk, but therapies targeting this pathway in people remain largely untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gopal, Murugaiyan — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Gopal, Murugaiyan
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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.