Investigating how early life factors and genetics affect eosinophilic esophagitis
Official title: Early life factors, gene-environment interaction and eosinophilic esophagitis
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10441396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how things like antibiotic use, how babies are born, and breastfeeding might affect the chances of developing eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in people who are more likely to get it because of their genes, and it invites patients to share their early life experiences and genetic information to help us learn more about these connections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2018 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $242,189 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI139126-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10441396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals under 21 years old who have been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis or are at risk due to early life exposures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are over 21 years old or do not have a history of eosinophilic esophagitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research explores how early life experiences, such as antibiotic use, delivery method, and breastfeeding, may influence the development of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) in individuals who are genetically predisposed. By examining the interactions between these early exposures and specific genetic markers, the study aims to identify risk factors for EoE. Patients may be asked to participate in a population-based registry-linkage study to gather comprehensive data on their early life factors and genetic information. The goal is to better understand how these elements contribute to the risk of developing EoE.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved prevention strategies and treatment options for eosinophilic esophagitis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in understanding the relationship between early life exposures and eosinophilic esophagitis, suggesting that this research builds on established findings.
Where this research is happening
-
Wake Forest University Health Sciences
Winston-Salem, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jensen, Elizabeth T — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Jensen, Elizabeth T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Esophageal antigen test-guided diet for eosinophilic esophagitis
A small, patient-friendly diet approach using a new esophageal antibody test aims to help people with eosinophilic esophagitis identify foods to avoid without repeated invasive procedures.
-
Allergic eosinophilic esophagitis drives dysregulated innate immunity in esophageal fibroblasts
This project studies why eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic food allergy-related condition, causes lasting changes in the esophagus and how these changes could be treated to prevent scarring and complications.
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How environmental signals and a receptor may protect or worsen eosinophilic esophagitis
A new NIH grant is exploring how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the esophagus affects eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and how environmental factors might influence this condition.
-
Toward personalized care for pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis using multimodal biomarkers
A pediatric-focused study will combine biochemical, structural, and molecular signals from the esophagus to better tailor treatment for kids with eosinophilic esophagitis.
-
Role of protective proteins in the esophagus to treat eosinophilic esophagitis
A research project aims to understand how certain proteins protect or restore the esophageal lining in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and how this could lead to better long-lasting therapies.
-
Role of 1q21 Genetic Variants in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This project looks at how genetic differences may make some people with allergies more likely to develop eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
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.