Understanding how DNA methylation changes drive colon cancer and how we might fix them
Official title: Mechanisms of DNA methylation signaling and dysregulation in colon cancer
Funded at Van Andel Research Institute · NIH-11364229 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to uncover how epigenetic marks that control gene activity go wrong in colon cancer and explore ways to target these changes for better treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Van Andel Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Grand Rapids, United States) |
| Project start | July 2, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,896,957 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA283463-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11364229 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with colon cancer or those at risk may benefit from advances that target DNA methylation pathways.
✕Less likely to help
People without colon cancer or those not affected by methylation-related mechanisms may see limited direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at why abnormal DNA methylation patterns appear in colon cancer and how they contribute to tumor growth. Researchers will map the network of protein signals that influence DNA methylation, focusing on the DNMT1 enzyme and its regulators. They will examine how the UHRF1 protein affects methylation and colon cancer development, and test potential ways to intervene in this pathway. The work aims to translate these discoveries into ideas for new therapies that can restore normal gene function in colon tumors.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to new strategies to prevent or reverse cancer-promoting epigenetic changes in the colon.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that altering DNA methylation and its regulators can influence colon cancer progression, supporting this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Van Andel Research Institute
Grand Rapids, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothbart, Scott — Van Andel Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Rothbart, Scott
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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.