SORD and sugar-driven spread of colorectal cancer
ROLE OF SORD IN SUGAR-MEDIATED CANCER METASTASIS
Researchers will find out if a sugar-related gene called SORD helps colorectal cancer spread in adults who consume sugary drinks.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11294259 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
At MD Anderson, scientists will examine how a sugar-processing gene called SORD affects colorectal cancer cells and their ability to spread. They will combine laboratory experiments using human tumor samples and models with population data about sugary drink intake to link sugar exposure to metastatic behavior. The team will change SORD activity in cells and animal models to see whether altering this pathway slows or stops cancer spread. Findings could inform dietary advice and point to drugs that block this sugar-driven pathway.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with colorectal cancer—especially people with advanced or metastatic disease and/or regular consumption of sugar-sweetened beverages—would be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without colorectal cancer or those with early-stage disease who are not at risk of metastasis are unlikely to see direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to clearer guidance about sugary drinks for colorectal cancer patients and reveal new targets to reduce metastasis.
How similar studies have performed: Epidemiological studies have linked sugary drink consumption to worse colorectal cancer outcomes, but targeting SORD directly is a novel and largely untested approach.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yun, Jihye — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Yun, Jihye
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 below.