How the enzyme GPX3 affects eosinophilic esophagitis
Defining the role of GPX3 in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER · NIH-11298972
This work explores whether low levels of the antioxidant enzyme GPX3 make the esophagus more inflamed and scarred in people with eosinophilic esophagitis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11298972 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
As someone with EoE, you would hear that researchers are measuring GPX3 levels in patient esophageal tissue and comparing them with non‑EoE controls. They will use cell lines and three‑dimensional esophageal organoids to see how inflammatory signals like IL‑13 change GPX3 and downstream pathways. The team will study mice lacking GPX3 to see whether loss of this enzyme causes the same tissue changes seen in EoE, including thickened basal cells and fibrosis. Together these lab and animal approaches are meant to connect patient observations with mechanisms that could be targeted therapeutically.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with eosinophilic esophagitis, including children and adults who are undergoing endoscopy and can provide esophageal biopsy samples, would be the best matches for participation.
Not a fit: People without EoE or those who cannot or will not undergo endoscopy/biopsy are unlikely to get direct benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to protect the esophagus by restoring GPX3 function or reducing damaging oxidative stress.
How similar studies have performed: Previous patient tissue analyses and preclinical mouse and organoid models support a role for antioxidant pathways in EoE, but directly targeting GPX3 as a therapy remains largely untested in humans.
Where this research is happening
NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER — NASHVILLE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CHOKSI, YASH — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER
- Study coordinator: CHOKSI, YASH
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.