Double-stranded RNA in early stomach pre-cancer
The double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) response in gastric pre-neoplasia
This project looks at whether a natural cell response to double-stranded RNA helps drive early stomach changes that can lead to gastric cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11249177 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, the researchers are studying how an immune-like response inside stomach cells may cause pyloric metaplasia, an early pre-cancer change. They use mouse models where a key regulator (ADAR1) is removed from specific stomach cells and compare those results with human tissue samples that show similar RNA changes. The lab measures how double-stranded RNA builds up and how that signaling alters cell behavior and inflammation. Findings will point to molecules or pathways that could be targeted to stop early changes from progressing to cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with pyloric metaplasia, chronic gastritis, or other early stomach pre-cancer changes who can donate tissue or clinical data for research.
Not a fit: People with advanced or metastatic gastric cancer or unrelated health conditions are unlikely to get direct benefit from this early-stage laboratory-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new molecular targets to prevent or slow progression from pyloric metaplasia to stomach cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work showed double-stranded RNA accumulates in metaplastic stomach tissue and dsRNA pathways are implicated in other cancers, but applying ADAR1 deletion in stomach cells is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saenz, Jose Bernardo — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Saenz, Jose Bernardo
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.