Understanding how colorectal cancer cells change and resist treatment
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of developmental reprogramming in colorectal cancer
Funded at Dana-Farber Cancer Inst · NIH-10942153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how colorectal cancer cells avoid normal growth and become tougher, focusing on a key protein called SOX9, to help find better ways to treat and prevent this type of cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Dana-Farber Cancer Inst NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $551,848 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA292507-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10942153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with colorectal cancer, particularly those with aggressive or treatment-resistant forms of the disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage colorectal cancer or those without significant disease progression may not benefit directly from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the molecular mechanisms behind how colorectal cancer (CRC) cells evade normal differentiation, allowing them to survive and become more aggressive. The team focuses on a transcription factor called SOX9, which appears to play a crucial role in this process. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing and ATAC sequencing, researchers aim to identify the genetic regulators involved in this reprogramming. The findings could lead to new insights into CRC treatment and prevention strategies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic targets for colorectal cancer, potentially improving treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding cancer cell plasticity and differentiation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sethi, Nilay — Dana-Farber Cancer Inst
- Study coordinator: Sethi, Nilay
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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.