Inflammation and gland changes in the esophagus during injury and healing
Inflammation And Submucosal Glands During Esophageal Injury And Repair
Researchers are exploring how inflammation in tiny glands under the esophagus lining may change healing and raise risk for Barrett's esophagus and esophageal cancer in people with reflux.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179397 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project focuses on small esophageal submucosal glands (ESMGs) that can act as progenitor cells after injury and may undergo abnormal changes linked to Barrett's esophagus and cancer. The team will examine tissue samples and laboratory models to identify which immune cells and signaling molecules, like IL-8, appear near glands during wound healing and acinar ductal metaplasia (ADM). They will compare injured and uninjured regions, study molecular programs that control gland cell behavior, and look for persistent abnormal progenitor cells after treatments such as radiofrequency ablation. Findings will be used to search for biomarkers and targets that could guide prevention or new therapies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with Barrett's esophagus or chronic acid reflux who are undergoing endoscopy or related treatments and can donate tissue or clinical information.
Not a fit: People without esophageal disease or those expecting immediate personal treatment benefit are unlikely to gain direct clinical benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to tests that detect risky gland changes earlier and new ways to prevent Barrett's esophagus from progressing to cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have observed gland proliferation and immune cells in injured esophagus, but linking specific cytokines to progenitor behavior and long-term risk is relatively new and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garman, Katherine — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Garman, Katherine
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.