Targeting SUMO1 to attack advanced colon cancer
Official title: Targeting SUMO1 degradation for advanced colon cancer therapy
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11355551 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach aims to use tiny molecules to break down SUMO1, a protein linked to aggressive colon cancers, to improve treatment for patients with advanced disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $356,986 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA266699-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11355551 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with advanced colon cancer, especially with organ invasion or liver metastasis, may be eligible in future trials once compounds are ready for clinical testing.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colon cancer or cancers not driven by SUMO1 pathways may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on creating first-in-class drugs that cause SUMO1 to be degraded inside colon cancer cells. Researchers have identified SUMO1 as a target, screened cancer cells, found a promising compound, and optimized lead molecules. They are studying how these degraders work, including the CAPRIN1-CUL1 ubiquitin ligase pathway, in human colon cancer cell lines, 3D organoids, and patient-derived xenografts. The work will test the degraders alone and in combination with standard chemotherapy to see if they improve effectiveness. The team will explore the mechanism and therapeutic potential to address resistance seen with current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with advanced colon cancer could have a new targeted therapy option that may overcome resistance to current treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that SUMO1 degraders can affect cancer cell growth in models, supporting this approach's potential but human clinical data are not yet available.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bellail, Anita — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Bellail, Anita
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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.