How diet-driven changes in Helicobacter pylori may raise stomach cancer risk
Regulation of Helicobacter pylori virulence by dietary factors that impact gastric cancer
['FUNDING_P01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11307034
This project looks at how high-salt and low-iron diets change the stomach bacterium Helicobacter pylori and how those changes may raise stomach cancer risk for people who carry the bacterium.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_P01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11307034 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use laboratory and animal models to see how salty or low-iron diets alter H. pylori gene activity and select for bacterial mutations linked to cancer. The team studies specific bacterial regulators (like Fur) and metal-binding changes that help the bacterium survive and become more damaging in the stomach. Results are being used to find bacterial or host markers that identify people at higher risk of gastric cancer. The goal is to translate these findings into ways to target high-risk individuals for monitoring, dietary advice, or treatment.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who are infected with Helicobacter pylori, have chronic gastritis, or have other risk factors for gastric cancer would be the most relevant candidates for related studies or follow-up.
Not a fit: People without H. pylori infection or whose gastric cancer risk is driven by unrelated causes may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests or guidance that identify and protect people infected with H. pylori who are at higher risk for stomach cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and lab studies have shown that high-salt and low-iron diets can promote H. pylori changes that increase cancer risk, but direct proof and preventive strategies in people remain limited.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: COVER, TIMOTHY L — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: COVER, TIMOTHY L
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.
Conditions: Bacterial Infections, Cancer Cause