Targeting enteric glial cells to overcome drug resistance in colon cancer
Official title: Enteric Glia is New Biological Target to Block Drug Resistance in Colon Cancer
Funded at North Carolina State University Raleigh · NIH-11061069 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $331,270 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA270462-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11061069 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced colon cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colon cancer or those not receiving chemotherapy may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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
Related research
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How DNA methylation patterns are kept in colon cancer and what happens when they’re disrupted
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A new project will use advanced chemical analysis to find blood- and tissue-based markers that indicate colon cancer and its progression.
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.