Gene master switches that drive Barrett's esophagus into esophageal cancer
Master regulator transcription factors promote esophageal neoplastic evolution
This project looks at master gene switches and epigenetic changes that turn Barrett's esophagus into esophageal adenocarcinoma to find new targets for treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-10975257 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work maps how regulatory DNA regions called enhancers and super-enhancers change as Barrett's esophagus progresses to cancer. The team uses epigenomic methods (such as ATAC-seq and 3-D genome assays) on patient tissue samples and laboratory models to find master regulator transcription factors that control these changes. By combining genomic, epigenomic, and chromosome interaction data, they aim to pinpoint the molecular drivers of malignant transformation. The researchers hope those findings will point to biomarkers for earlier detection or new targets for therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with Barrett's esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma who can provide tissue samples or clinical data.
Not a fit: People without esophageal disease or those with unrelated health conditions are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reveal new biomarkers and drug targets to detect or treat esophageal adenocarcinoma earlier and more effectively.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genomic and epigenomic studies have identified enhancer changes and candidate transcription factors in esophageal cancer, but translating those findings into clinical treatments remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, UNITED STATES
- University of Southern California — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lin, de-Chen — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Lin, de-Chen
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.