How a stomach bacterium may cause cancer through DNA transfer
Official title: Molecular mechanisms of Helicobacter pylori trans-kingdom DNA conjugation
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10991392 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a stomach bug called Helicobacter pylori might lead to cancer by examining how it sends its DNA into our cells, which could cause inflammation and other problems; it's for anyone interested in understanding how this bacterium affects our health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2023 |
| Project end | October 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $172,539 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI180274-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991392 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who are infected with Helicobacter pylori and are at risk for developing gastric cancer.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have Helicobacter pylori infection or those with other unrelated gastrointestinal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms by which Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that infects the stomach, can contribute to cancer development. It focuses on a specific system used by the bacterium to transfer DNA into human cells, which may trigger immune responses that lead to inflammation and cancer. By studying this process in detail, the researchers aim to understand how this bacterium interacts with the human body and potentially causes gastric diseases. The research involves both laboratory experiments and in vivo studies to track the behavior of the bacterium's DNA transfer system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating gastric cancer associated with Helicobacter pylori infection.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding the mechanisms of bacterial interactions with human cells can lead to significant advancements in cancer prevention and treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaffer, Carrie — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Shaffer, Carrie
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.