NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Understanding how a specific protein modification affects cancer treatment in colorectal cancer.

Official title: Investigating the role of neddylation in the repair of topoisomerase I inhibitor-induced replication damage in colorectal cancer

Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11241179 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how a process called neddylation helps fix DNA damage caused by certain cancer treatments, like irinotecan, which are often used for colorectal cancer, with the hope of finding better ways to make these treatments work even better for patients.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Maryland Baltimore
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project startDecember 1, 2024
Project endNovember 30, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$249,000
NIH project number4R00CA273171-02
Project IDNIH-11241179 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer who are undergoing treatment with topoisomerase I inhibitors.

Less likely to help

Patients with colorectal cancer who are not receiving topoisomerase I inhibitors or those with other types of cancer may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of neddylation, a protein modification process, in repairing DNA damage caused by topoisomerase I inhibitors, which are commonly used to treat colorectal cancer. The study aims to understand how this process affects the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs like irinotecan. By exploring the mechanisms of DNA repair and the potential to enhance the efficacy of these treatments, the research could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for patients. The approach includes high-throughput screening of cancer cells and examining the interactions between proteins involved in DNA repair.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for colorectal cancer, improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting DNA repair mechanisms to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatments, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Maryland Baltimore
    Baltimore, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sun, Yilun — University of Maryland Baltimore
  • Study coordinator: Sun, Yilun

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.