Targeting enteric glial cells to overcome drug resistance in colon cancer
Enteric Glia is New Biological Target to Block Drug Resistance in Colon Cancer
This study is looking at how certain cells in the colon cancer environment help cancer cells resist chemotherapy, with the hope of finding new ways to make treatments work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | North Carolina State University Raleigh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Raleigh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11061069 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how enteric glial cells (EGC) in the tumor microenvironment contribute to drug resistance in colon cancer. By understanding the role of EGC in protecting cancer stem cells from chemotherapy-induced cell death, the study aims to identify new therapeutic targets. The approach includes analyzing the interactions between EGC and cancer cells, particularly focusing on the MRN-ATM pathway involved in DNA repair. The goal is to develop strategies that can enhance the effectiveness of existing chemotherapy treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced colon cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with early-stage colon cancer or those not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment outcomes for patients with advanced colon cancer by overcoming drug resistance.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in targeting tumor microenvironment components to enhance chemotherapy effectiveness, suggesting this approach may be viable.
Where this research is happening
Raleigh, United States
- North Carolina State University Raleigh — Raleigh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Landeghem, Laurianne Chantal — North Carolina State University Raleigh
- Study coordinator: Van Landeghem, Laurianne Chantal
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.