NIH-funded research R37 grant

Targeting proteins that help colorectal cancer cells survive

Official title: Assessment of strategies for targeting transcriptional co-activators in colorectal cancer

Funded at University of Nebraska Medical Center · NIH-10943743 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how specific proteins help colorectal cancer cells, especially those with K-Ras mutations, survive and grow, with the goal of finding new ways to stop these cancer cells and improve treatment options for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeR37 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project startAugust 15, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2029
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$439,367
NIH project number1R37CA293214-01
Project IDNIH-10943743 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer, especially those with K-Ras mutations.

Less likely to help

Patients with colorectal cancer who do not have K-Ras mutations may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates how certain proteins, known as transcriptional coactivators, contribute to the survival of colorectal cancer cells, particularly those with K-Ras mutations. The team will use advanced techniques, including mass spectrometry, to identify the interactions between these proteins and other cellular components that promote cancer growth. By understanding these mechanisms, the researchers aim to develop strategies to inhibit the signaling pathways that allow cancer cells to thrive, potentially leading to new treatment options for patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that specifically target and inhibit the growth of colorectal cancer cells.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting transcriptional coactivators in various cancers, suggesting that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Nebraska Medical Center
    Omaha, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Fisher, Kurt — University of Nebraska Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Fisher, Kurt

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.

    This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.

    NIH research Research Triangle Institute · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-9627071

  • Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study

    A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11590756

  • Ceramides and how they affect metabolism and colorectal cancer in adults

    A study in adults with obesity-related health issues will explore how a fat-related molecule called ceramide influences metabolic problems and colorectal cancer risk.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11535283

  • Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs

    A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11531863

  • Rewiring Colorectal Cancer to Harness Therapeutic Hyperactivation

    A Yale team is exploring brain-storming new ways to treat colorectal cancer by safely boosting certain cancer signaling pathways to kill cancer cells and by reshaping cancer cell states to improve responses to existing therapies.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11505210

  • Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care

    A researcher team will use computer models to study how access to care, risk, and new screening options affect colorectal cancer outcomes and costs for adults in the US.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11495363

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.