Understanding how certain proteins affect inflammation and cancer development
Official title: Decoding the functional pleiotropy of IL-20Rβ ligands in inflammation and tumorigenesis
Funded at University of California Berkeley · NIH-11045063 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at certain proteins that might play a role in inflammation and cancer in the gut, especially for people with chronic inflammation, to see if we can find new ways to reduce harmful inflammation while still helping the body fight cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Berkeley NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Berkeley, United States) |
| Project start | February 20, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $200,232 |
| NIH project number | 5K22CA266531-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045063 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease or those at risk of developing colon cancer due to chronic inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-inflammatory conditions or those not affected by gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific proteins in inflammation and their potential link to cancer, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract. It focuses on the IL-20 cytokine family, which may be involved in both inflammatory bowel disease and colon cancer. By analyzing how these proteins function, the research aims to find ways to reduce harmful inflammation without compromising the body's ability to fight tumors. Patients with chronic inflammation may find this research relevant as it explores alternative treatment strategies that leverage the body's natural healing processes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that reduce inflammation and lower cancer risk without the side effects of immunosuppressive drugs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting inflammatory pathways to improve patient outcomes, suggesting that this approach could be beneficial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California Berkeley
Berkeley, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saxton, Robert Andrew — University of California Berkeley
- Study coordinator: Saxton, Robert Andrew
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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.