Loss of stomach acid cells and abnormal stomach lining
Oxyntic Atrophy and Novel Gastric Lineages.
Researchers are testing whether medicines that block a growth signal can repair damaged stomach lining and remove precancerous cells for people at risk of stomach cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11027915 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project looks at how loss of acid-secreting stomach cells (oxyntic atrophy) causes normal cells to change into repair-type and precancerous cells. The team uses lab and animal models to study the Ras–ERK signaling pathway and how blocking it with MEK inhibitors can reprogram the stomach back to normal cell types. They are also studying pyrvinium, an existing anti-parasite drug, because early lab work shows it can stop metaplasia and kill dysplastic (abnormal) cells. The goal is to develop treatments that reverse precancerous changes and lower the chance of developing gastric cancer.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic loss of stomach acid cells, gastric metaplasia, incomplete intestinal metaplasia, or other precancerous stomach lesions would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated digestive conditions or with already advanced invasive gastric cancer are less likely to benefit from these preventative or reprogramming approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could stop or reverse precancerous stomach changes and reduce the risk of developing gastric cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies have shown MEK inhibitors can reverse metaplasia in models and recent lab work suggests pyrvinium can both halt metaplasia and kill dysplastic cells, but clinical evidence in patients is limited.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Veterans Health Administration — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goldenring, James Richard — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Goldenring, James Richard
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.