Understanding how gut bacteria influence colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis
Official title: Elucidating the role of gut microbiota in colitis-associated colorectal cancer
Funded at Baylor College of Medicine · NIH-11007262 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut might influence the risk of developing colorectal cancer if you have ulcerative colitis, and it aims to find out which types of bacteria could help protect you or possibly increase that risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $615,878 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA276173-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007262 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis who are at risk for developing colorectal cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or those who do not have any gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the relationship between gut microbiota and the development of colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis, a type of inflammatory bowel disease. By examining clinical specimens, conducting in vitro experiments, and utilizing mouse models, the study aims to uncover how different bacteria can either promote or protect against cancer development. The research will focus on the molecular mechanisms involved in this interaction, providing insights into the role of gut bacteria in cancer progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating colorectal cancer in patients with ulcerative colitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the role of gut microbiota in various diseases, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Ru — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Chen, Ru
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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.