Understanding how cancer cells communicate to adapt their metabolism in colorectal cancer
Official title: Inter-organellar communication in metabolic reprogramming of colorectal cancer
Funded at Rockefeller University · NIH-11221426 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how different parts of colorectal cancer cells talk to each other and how that affects their ability to grow and survive, especially when there's not enough oxygen around, with the hope that it will help find new ways to treat cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Rockefeller University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $107,071 |
| NIH project number | 4K00CA284256-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11221426 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer who may be experiencing treatment resistance or disease progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-colorectal cancers or those who are not currently undergoing treatment for cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the communication between different organelles in colorectal cancer cells and how this affects their metabolism and survival. By studying the interactions between the endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria, the researchers aim to uncover how these processes are influenced by the tumor microenvironment, particularly under conditions of low oxygen (hypoxia). The study utilizes advanced imaging techniques and genetic screening to identify key mechanisms that support cancer cell growth and resistance to treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these metabolic pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that improve outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer by targeting metabolic adaptations in cancer cells.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding metabolic reprogramming in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Rockefeller University
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Brandon — Rockefeller University
- Study coordinator: Chen, Brandon
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
-
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.
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.