Understanding how certain changes in colon cells lead to cancer
Official title: Computational approaches to the mechanistic elucidation of the serrated pathway of human colon carcinogenesis
Funded at University of Oklahoma · NIH-10892048 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how certain changes in colon cells can lead to colon cancer, especially in cases that are not well understood, and it's being led by Dr. Marmar Moussa, who is training to better understand cancer genetics and biology.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Oklahoma NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Norman, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $198,721 |
| NIH project number | 5K25CA270079-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10892048 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for colorectal cancer or those with a history of serrated lesions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with colorectal cancer that does not involve the serrated pathway may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing advanced computational methods to explore the mechanisms behind a specific pathway that leads to colon cancer, known as the serrated pathway. The principal investigator, Dr. Marmar Moussa, is gaining training in cancer genomics and biology to lead this important work. By analyzing genetic and epigenetic changes in colon cells, the research aims to uncover how these changes contribute to the development of colorectal cancer, particularly in cases that are less understood. This work is crucial as colorectal cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and prevention strategies for colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding cancer pathways, but this specific approach to the serrated pathway is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Oklahoma
Norman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moussa, Marmar — University of Oklahoma
- Study coordinator: Moussa, Marmar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Personalized 3D molds to shape breast reconstruction
A doctor-relevant project is testing patient-specific 3D printed molds to guide breast reconstruction after mastectomy, aiming to improve body image and quality of life for feminine-presenting individuals.
-
Faster 3D/4D imaging to speed up testing of cancer drugs on tumor organoids
This project builds a new, ultrafast label-free 4D imaging system with AI to watch how patient-like tumor organoids respond to cancer drugs, helping researchers find more promising treatments.
-
How our genes control skin color and pigmentation
Scientists are studying how epigenetic and transcriptional controls shape human skin color and related pigmentation differences.
-
Nanomedicine delivery framework for skeletal muscle therapies
A new framework aims to safely and efficiently deliver tiny nanoparticles carrying drugs or genetic payloads to skeletal muscle cells.
-
Atlas of bacterial drug entry and exit to help design better antibiotics
Researchers are building smart computer models and chemical tests to understand how to get drugs into Gram-negative bacteria like Acinetobacter baumannii so new antibiotics can work.
-
Understanding protein forms in disease with advanced mass spectrometry
A researchers team will use a cutting-edge mass spectrometry approach to map and measure the full shape and connections of disease-related proteins in human biology.
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.