How radiation-linked ATF2 signaling may lead to esophageal cancer
Official title: Mechanistic understanding of role of ATF2 signaling in radiation-induced esophageal cancer
Funded at University of Nevada Las Vegas · NIH-11292407 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers will find out if a stress-related protein called ATF2 helps radiation trigger esophageal squamous cell cancer, which is especially relevant to people who've had therapeutic radiation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nevada Las Vegas NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Las Vegas, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $151,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM153540-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11292407 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This work is most relevant to people who have had therapeutic radiation near the chest or neck or those at risk for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after radiation exposure.
✕Less likely to help
People with esophageal adenocarcinoma that is not linked to radiation exposure, or those without any history of therapeutic radiation, may not directly benefit from these results.
What this research studies
This project uses lab-grown 3-D esophagus tissue models to mimic how radiation affects real esophageal cells. Scientists will study how TGFβ-driven activation of the protein ATF2 leads to changes called epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) that can promote cancer. They will examine how those signaling changes reshape the tissue microenvironment and look for molecular biomarkers tied to radiation-driven tumor start and progression. The goal is to reveal signals that could point to early detection or new prevention targets for radiation-related ESCC.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could identify biomarkers or molecular targets that help detect or prevent radiation-induced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma earlier.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory work links persistent phosphorylated ATF2 signaling to EMT, but applying these findings toward patient tests or treatments is a relatively new direction.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Las Vegas, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pluth, Janice M — University of Nevada Las Vegas
- Study coordinator: Pluth, Janice M
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-guided microendoscopy to detect esophageal cancer早期
A doctor-research team is testing an AI-assisted microendoscopy tool to screen people at risk for esophageal cancer, aiming to find cancer early with higher accuracy and fewer unnecessary biopsies.
-
AI-assisted Microendoscopy to Detect Esophageal Cancer Earlier
A technology-based approach uses AI and a tiny endoscopy device to screen for early esophageal cancer, focusing on high-risk regions around the world.</n>
-
Point-of-care esophageal cancer detection in low- and middle-income countries
A researcher-led effort to use a swallowable sponge and a portable chip to detect DNA methylation markers of esophageal cancer right where patients live, helping people in LMICs get quick results.
-
AI-assisted Microendoscopy for early esophageal cancer detection
A Baylor College of Medicine team is testing a mobile, AI-driven microscopic imaging tool to help screen for early esophageal cancer in regions with limited screening capacity.
-
OmicXScreen: AI-powered blood test to detect liver and esophageal cancers early
A new blood test using AI and DNA methylation patterns aims to detect hepatocellular carcinoma and esophageal cancer early, helping people who are at high risk.
-
AI-assisted microendoscopy to find esophageal cancer early
This project uses a small, high-resolution endoscope plus AI to help doctors spot early esophageal cancer in people at risk, especially where screening is limited.
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.