Bacterial biosensors to detect and help prevent GI cancers
Official title: Bacterial biosensors for the prevention of gastrointestinal cancers
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11532955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A team is building living bacterial sensors that could detect colorectal and pancreatic tumors inside the gut and give a clear diagnostic signal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | May 18, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $120,024 |
| NIH project number | 3R01CA241728-07S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11532955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk for gastrointestinal cancers or those undergoing GI cancer screening may be eligible in later translational steps.
✕Less likely to help
People without GI cancer risk or in early-stage research phases may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create safe, living bacteria that reside in the gastrointestinal tract and report when cancer-related DNA is present. The approach combines synthetic biology with existing cancer models to test a biosensor that can recognize specific DNA mutations linked to colorectal and pancreatic cancers. If successful, the sensors would provide an early, convenient, and affordable way to identify cancer in the GI tract. The work includes proof-of-concept studies in mouse models and plans to translate findings toward human relevance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from earlier, easier GI cancer detection and better chances for successful treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown promise in using engineered bacteria for sensing cancer-related signals in preclinical models; this project builds on that foundation with advanced DNA sensing.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hasty, Jeff M — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Hasty, Jeff M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gastrointestinal cancers: how stem cells and their environment shape cancer growth
A research project at Columbia University Health Sciences studies how stomach, esophagus, and other GI cancers start and evolve by looking at stem cells, nerve signals, and the surrounding tissue.
-
Bacterial biosensors to help detect GI cancers early
A living bacterial sensor is being developed to spot colorectal and pancreatic cancers early inside the GI tract and give a readable diagnostic output.
-
DPYD Genetic Testing in Community Cancer Care to Prevent Fluoropyrimidine Toxicity
A community-based study will test whether offering DPYD genetic testing before chemotherapy with FP drugs reduces severe side effects and hospitalizations for people with GI cancers.
-
Cell signaling and gene regulation in liver and gastrointestinal cancers
Researchers are looking at how signaling proteins and gene-regulating enzymes like SIRT6 interact to explain why fatty liver disease can turn into liver cancer.
-
Understanding and Improving Chemoradiation Response in Esophagogastric and Pancreatic Cancer
This grant aims to learn why esophagogastric and pancreatic cancers resist standard chemoradiation and to use that knowledge to guide better, biomarker-driven treatments.
-
How stem cells and nearby tissues drive cancers of the stomach, esophagus, colon, and pancreas
Researchers are looking at how stem cells and surrounding tissues, including nerves, change during long-term inflammation and lead to gastrointestinal cancers so people with conditions like gastritis, Barrett's esophagus, colitis, or pancreatitis might benefit from better prevention or early detection.
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.