How gut-produced bile acids may drive Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal cancer
The Role of Secondary Bile Acids in Gastro-Esophageal Neoplasia
Looks at whether secondary bile acids made by gut bacteria change stem cells at the stomach–esophagus junction and raise the risk of Barrett’s esophagus and esophageal adenocarcinoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Columbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11171659 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
They will study how secondary bile acids from gut bacteria affect stem and progenitor cells where the esophagus meets the stomach using animal models and tissue analyses. The team uses a mouse model that mimics Barrett’s esophagus, treating it with deoxycholic acid to see if bile acids speed up precancerous changes and testing obeticholic acid (an FXR activator) to see if it reduces abnormal growth. Researchers will examine cell behavior and the surrounding tissue microenvironment to identify the molecular steps that drive progression from Barrett’s to cancer. Results are intended to point to specific targets for future drugs or tests to prevent or detect cancer earlier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Barrett’s esophagus, chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or who are at high risk for esophageal adenocarcinoma could be most relevant to this work.
Not a fit: People without Barrett’s, GERD, or unrelated health concerns are unlikely to directly benefit from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could reveal how bile acids promote progression and point to drug targets or prevention strategies to reduce the risk of esophageal adenocarcinoma.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work showed deoxycholic acid accelerates neoplasia in a mouse model and obeticholic acid reduced proliferation, but translating these findings to clear human benefit has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Columbia University Health Sciences — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Abrams, Julian — Columbia University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Abrams, Julian
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.