Understanding how colon cells respond to mechanical stress and their role in cancer development
Official title: Colon cell mechanoregulation through an E-cadherin - associated RNAi machinery
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-11063136 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how pressure on colon cells might lead to colorectal diseases like cancer, and it's for anyone interested in understanding how changes in the surrounding tissue can affect cell health and possibly lead to new treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $460,548 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136658-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11063136 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with pre-cancerous conditions or colon cancer, particularly those experiencing fibrotic changes in their colon.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-colorectal cancers or those without any gastrointestinal abnormalities may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between mechanical stress in colon cells and the development of colorectal diseases, particularly cancer. It focuses on how the extracellular matrix remodeling affects cell behavior and integrity through a specific RNA interference mechanism. By studying the role of E-cadherin and associated proteins in colon epithelial cells, the research aims to uncover how these processes contribute to tumor formation and progression. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these mechanisms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that prevent or slow the progression of colon cancer by targeting the cellular mechanisms involved.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of linking mechanical stress to RNAi mechanisms in colon cells is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding cancer biology and treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kourtidis, Antonis — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Kourtidis, Antonis
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.