Shared stem cell source for lower esophagus and upper stomach cancers
Common Stem Cell of Origin for Junctional and Gastric Adenocarcinoma
This project looks at whether the same type of stem cell drives cancers that start in Barrett's esophagus and the nearby stomach, with implications for people who have Barrett's esophagus or gastric intestinal metaplasia.
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 ID | NIH-11399448 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers will compare cells from Barrett's esophagus, gastric intestinal metaplasia, and related cancers to find a common stem cell that gives rise to both esophageal and gastric adenocarcinomas. The team will use patient tissue samples alongside molecular profiling, proteomics, and mouse models to trace how early precancerous changes develop. Their work aims to identify molecular signs of dangerous change and possible drug targets that could stop progression. If you donate tissue or participate in linked studies, your samples could help map the earliest steps of these cancers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people with Barrett's esophagus, gastric intestinal metaplasia, or newly diagnosed junctional or intestinal-type gastric adenocarcinoma who can provide tissue samples or join related clinical protocols.
Not a fit: People without esophageal or gastric pre-cancerous conditions or with unrelated diseases are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could enable earlier detection of high-risk changes and point to new targeted treatments that prevent progression to invasive cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic and molecular studies have previously suggested these cancers are related, but directly tracing a shared stem cell origin is a newer approach with limited prior clinical validation.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mckeon, Frank D. — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Mckeon, Frank D.
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.