NIH-funded research R03 grant

How protein damage contributes to esophageal cancer development

Official title: Regulation of esophageal tumorigenesis by protein adduction

Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11005308 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how certain changes in proteins might lead to esophageal cancer in people with GERD, helping us understand more about what causes this type of cancer and how it develops.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2024
Project endDecember 31, 2025
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$76,750
NIH project number5R03CA286671-02
Project IDNIH-11005308 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have been diagnosed with gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Less likely to help

Patients without a history of gastroesophageal reflux disease or those with other unrelated esophageal conditions may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of protein adduction in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma, particularly in patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). It focuses on how certain lipid derivatives, formed from oxidative stress, can bind to proteins in the esophagus and potentially lead to cancerous changes. By understanding these molecular mechanisms, the research aims to uncover new insights into how esophageal tumors develop and progress. Patients with GERD may find this research relevant as it seeks to identify the underlying causes of their condition and its link to cancer.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new prevention strategies or treatments for esophageal cancer in patients with GERD.

How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of investigating protein adduction in esophageal cancer is novel, similar studies have shown success in understanding cancer mechanisms related to other types of malignancies.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Miami School of Medicine
    Coral Gables, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Caspa Gokulan, Ravindran — University of Miami School of Medicine
  • Study coordinator: Caspa Gokulan, Ravindran

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About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.