NIH-funded research Fellowship grant

Understanding how mutations in ZFP36L2 affect colorectal cancer progression and immune response

Official title: Dissecting the Functional Consequences of Mutations in ZFP36L2 on Tumor Progression and Inflammation in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment of Colorectal Cancer

Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10996700 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how changes in a specific gene called ZFP36L2 might affect the growth of colorectal cancer and the way the immune system interacts with these tumors, with the hope of finding better treatment options for patients whose cancer doesn't respond well to current therapies.

More Colorectal Cancer research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWeill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2024
Project endJune 30, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$53,974
NIH project number1F30CA288018-01A1
Project IDNIH-10996700 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer, particularly those with advanced disease.

Less likely to help

Patients with microsatellite unstable (MSI) colorectal cancer may not benefit from this research as they typically respond better to existing immunotherapies.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of ZFP36L2 mutations in colorectal cancer (CRC) and how these mutations influence tumor progression and the immune environment. By using advanced mouse models, the study aims to explore how the loss of ZFP36L2 function can lead to increased immune cell infiltration in tumors that typically do not respond well to current immunotherapies. The goal is to identify new targets and biomarkers that could improve treatment options for patients with microsatellite stable (MSS) colorectal cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the effectiveness of immunotherapy for a larger group of colorectal cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results in targeting immune responses in colorectal cancer, but this specific approach focusing on ZFP36L2 mutations is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

  • Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
    New York, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Luckett, Kathleen — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
  • Study coordinator: Luckett, Kathleen

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Improving colorectal cancer screening and follow-up care.

    This study is working to help more people get screened for colorectal cancer and receive the follow-up care they need, especially those who haven't been screened much before, so that everyone can have better access to important health checks and improve their overall health.

    NIH research Research Triangle Institute · Research Triangle Park, United States · NIH-9627071

  • Colorectal cancer prognosis through a broad, collaborative study

    A large, multi-center study follows people newly diagnosed with colorectal cancer to find biomarkers and patterns that predict outcomes and guide future care.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11590756

  • Ceramides and how they affect metabolism and colorectal cancer in adults

    A study in adults with obesity-related health issues will explore how a fat-related molecule called ceramide influences metabolic problems and colorectal cancer risk.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11535283

  • Automated point-of-care DNA methylation test for colorectal cancer in LMICs

    A fast, affordable blood test using DNA markers to help identify people at higher risk of colorectal cancer in low- and middle-income countries.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11531863

  • Rewiring Colorectal Cancer to Harness Therapeutic Hyperactivation

    A Yale team is exploring brain-storming new ways to treat colorectal cancer by safely boosting certain cancer signaling pathways to kill cancer cells and by reshaping cancer cell states to improve responses to existing therapies.

    NIH research Yale University · New Haven, United States · NIH-11505210

  • Comparative modeling to guide colorectal cancer screening and care

    A researcher team will use computer models to study how access to care, risk, and new screening options affect colorectal cancer outcomes and costs for adults in the US.

    NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11495363

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.