Project 461208

Transcription factors are important molecules that control whether genes are active or not in a specific cell within an organism. Our research focuses on the functions of the CNC transcription factor family. Abnormal regulation of members of this group of proteins has been shown to cause cancer. Here, we propose to determine the role of a CNC protein called NFE2L3 in colorectal cancer. We found that NFE2L3 is present at high levels in colorectal cancer specimens. Importantly, we determined that NFE2L3 is promoting the growth of colorectal cancer cells and that its function is linked to inflammation and the presence of certain types of immune cells. In our studies, we propose to examine the regulation and function of NFE2L3 in colitis associated colorectal cancer. We will be using a wide variety of molecular techniques to analyze NFE2L3 using in cell culture, mouse, and human models. Our research will open up new exciting possibilities for the design of novel treatment options for patients suffering from inflammation induced colorectal cancer.