Why some colon polyps progress to cancer: the role of tissue environment, cell clones, and gut microbes
Understanding adenoma progression: Interplay among tissue microenvironment, clonal architecture, and gut microbiome
This project looks at how changes in the colon tissue, groups of mutated cells, and the gut microbiome together influence whether early colon polyps become cancer in people at risk for colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182667 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We will study early colon polyps (adenomas) and nearby normal colon tissue to see what biological features make some polyps more likely to progress toward cancer. The team will combine analyses of cell populations and genetic changes within polyps, patterns of DNA methylation and tissue aging in the surrounding colon, and the composition of the gut microbiome. By comparing polyps that progressed versus those that did not, researchers hope to identify combinations of factors that mark a "primed" colon where progression is more likely. Findings will use human tissue and microbiome samples and may guide future tests or prevention strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people undergoing colonoscopy who have colon adenomas or a history of adenomas and who can provide tissue or stool samples for research.
Not a fit: People without colon polyps or those not willing/able to provide tissue or stool samples would not directly benefit from participating.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help doctors identify which polyps are most likely to become cancer and lead to better screening or prevention approaches.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have linked mutations, methylation changes, tissue senescence, and microbiome shifts to advanced lesions, but combining these factors to predict adenoma progression is a relatively new and emerging approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Grady, William Mallory — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Grady, William Mallory
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 below.