Early abnormal growth at the gastroesophageal junction (GEJ)
Modeling Pathways of Early Growth Dysregulation at the GEJ
This project looks at whether changes in fat-related molecules drive early abnormal growth where the esophagus meets the stomach, which can lead to cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11330416 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From my perspective as a patient, researchers grow tiny 3-D versions of GEJ tissue (organoids) made from human cells and edit key cancer-related genes to see how they change. They compare normal and gene-altered organoids for growth and appearance, implant some into animals to watch behavior, and use advanced lipid and chromatin tests to find biochemical signals. The team is especially focused on certain free fatty acids and platelet-activating factor that may turn on a master gene regulator (HNF4A) and change how cells grow and differentiate. The findings aim to map early steps that push normal GEJ cells toward pre-cancerous or cancerous states.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people undergoing endoscopy or surgery of the GEJ—such as those with reflux, Barrett's esophagus, or early dysplasia—who can donate tissue samples.
Not a fit: Patients with advanced GEJ cancer or unrelated conditions are unlikely to receive direct clinical benefit from this basic laboratory-focused work in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new markers or targets to detect or stop early cancer-like changes at the GEJ before invasive disease develops.
How similar studies have performed: Organoid models and lipidomic profiling have helped clarify early changes in other cancers, but applying lipid–epigenome crosstalk concepts to GEJ-cardia growth dysregulation is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Meltzer, Stephen J — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Meltzer, Stephen J
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.