Understanding how genes and environment work together to affect colorectal cancer risk
Official title: An integrative omics approach to investigate gene-environment interaction in colorectal cancer risk
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11416477 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project explores how genetic factors and lifestyle or environmental factors combine to influence colorectal cancer risk, with the goal of guiding personalized prevention in patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $851,399 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA273198-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11416477 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults at risk for colorectal cancer or with a family history who could contribute data or samples to combined genetic and environmental analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without colorectal cancer risk factors or those not contributing data or samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center will combine single-cell multi-omics data with large, well-characterized patient data to study gene–environment interactions in colorectal cancer. The study will use advanced computational methods to link genetic variants with changes in gene regulation under different environmental contexts. Findings could identify modifiable factors that most strongly modify genetic risk and point toward targeted prevention strategies for individuals at higher risk. Results may also inform future clinical trials and personalized recommendations for cancer prevention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could lead to more personalized prevention strategies and identify actionable lifestyle changes that reduce colorectal cancer risk for people with specific genetic profiles.
How similar studies have gone: Similar integrative omics approaches have shown promise in uncovering GxE interactions in cancer, with growing evidence supporting this strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peters, Ulrike — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Peters, Ulrike
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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.