Reprogramming retinoid signals to prevent colorectal cancer progression
Official title: Reprogramming of retinoid metabolism and receptor activity in intestinal epithelial plasticity
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-11428983 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new NIH grant aims to understand how vitamin A signals inside intestinal cells can go awry and drive early cancer-like changes, with the goal of guiding future prevention and treatment ideas.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $641,640 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA325533-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11428983 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk for colorectal cancer or with conditions linked to aberrant retinoid signaling, who might participate in future translational studies or biomarker development.
✕Less likely to help
People without colorectal cancer risk factors may not directly benefit from the findings.
What this research studies
This project looks at how all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and its receptors regulate whether intestinal cells stay as stem-like cells or mature into normal lining. The researchers will study how loss of a common cancer-driving gene (Apc) rewires RA signaling, creating a pro-stem, pro-growth state that can lead to adenomas. They plan to use advanced methods to map receptor combinations and metabolic byproducts in the gut lining, testing how different RA pathways impact cell behavior. Insights from this work could point to new strategies that promote proper differentiation and block early colorectal cancer development. The study uses animal models and modern molecular techniques to connect basic biology to potential clinical implications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Better understanding of how retinoid signaling influences colorectal cancer initiation could lead to new prevention or early intervention approaches.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research supports that retinoid signaling influences intestinal differentiation, but this project explores a novel receptor-specific mechanism that is still being tested.
Where this research is happening
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Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sethi, Nilay — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Sethi, Nilay
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.