Low iron's role in H. pylori-related stomach cancer
Effect of Iron Deprivation on H. pylori-induced Gastric Carcinogenesis
Researchers are looking at whether low iron makes H. pylori more likely to cause stomach cancer in people infected with H. pylori.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11307028 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project uses lab work and animal models (mice and gerbils) to see how iron deficiency and a bile acid called deoxycholic acid (DCA) change H. pylori behavior and the stomach lining. Scientists examine a bacterial oncoprotein (CagA), inflammatory signals, growth-receptor activation, and whether bacteria colonize stomach stem cell niches. They combine metabolomics, molecular experiments, and intervention tests to see if DCA or low iron speeds cancer development. The findings aim to map the steps by which H. pylori and dietary factors promote stomach cancer to guide prevention or treatment ideas.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with an active H. pylori infection, especially those with low iron or other risk factors for stomach cancer, would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People without H. pylori infection or whose conditions are unrelated to gastric cancer biology are unlikely to benefit directly from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to ways to reduce H. pylori-related stomach cancer risk, for example by correcting iron deficiency or targeting harmful bile-acid effects.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal studies from this team have shown that iron deficiency and DCA can increase H. pylori-driven stomach cancer, though direct human evidence remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, United States
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peek, Richard M. — Vanderbilt University Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Peek, Richard M.
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.