Alcohol-related changes in the esophagus involving NRF2 and ACSS2
NRF2-ACSS2 Axis in Alcohol-induced Metabolic Reprogramming and Esophageal Pathology
This project looks at whether blocking two proteins called NRF2 and ACSS2 can stop alcohol-related damage to the esophagus that affects people who drink alcohol.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Coriell Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Camden, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11141626 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, the team is studying how alcohol changes metabolism in esophagus cells and whether two proteins, NRF2 and ACSS2, drive that damage. They will first work with human esophageal cells in the lab to see how these proteins change cell metabolism after alcohol exposure. Then they will use genetically modified mice to confirm the same changes happen in living tissue. Finally, they will test drugs that block NRF2 or ACSS2 in mice to see if those drugs reduce alcohol-related esophageal injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who drink alcohol regularly or who have alcohol-associated esophageal irritation or precancerous changes would be most relevant to these findings.
Not a fit: Patients whose esophageal problems are unrelated to alcohol or who already have advanced esophageal cancer are unlikely to benefit directly from this early-stage work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent alcohol-related esophageal damage and possibly lower risk of related cancers.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory research has linked NRF2 and ACSS2 to altered metabolism in cancers, but using inhibitors to prevent alcohol-related esophageal damage is largely untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
Camden, United States
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research — Camden, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chen, Xiaoxin Luke — Coriell Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Chen, Xiaoxin Luke
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.