Shared stem cell source for lower esophagus and upper stomach cancers
Official title: Common Stem Cell of Origin for Junctional and Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Funded at Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-11399448 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | September 15, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $949,184 |
| NIH project number | 7R01CA272906-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399448 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
People without esophageal or gastric pre-cancerous conditions or with unrelated diseases are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific project.
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.
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 gone: 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
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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.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how CDH1 loss drives aggressive stomach cancer and how to target it
Researchers are studying why certain advanced stomach cancers grow and spread, with a focus on CDH1 inactivation and related pathways to find ways to improve treatment for patients.
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Common stem cell origin in Barrett's-related cancers
This research looks at whether a single stem cell type drives both esophageal and gastric cancers that arise from Barrett’s esophagus, with the aim of finding shared clues to prevent or treat these diseases.
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Targeting YAP1 to stop stomach cancer spread and immune suppression
This project looks for ways to block a protein called YAP1 to help people with advanced stomach (gastric) cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen.
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Understanding how certain genetic changes lead to advanced stomach cancer
This study is looking into how a specific gene called CDH1 affects the growth of advanced stomach cancer, with the hope of finding better treatment options tailored to different types of the disease, so that patients can receive care that works best for them.
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Understanding and targeting cancer stemness and immune suppression in advanced gastric cancer
This study is looking at how a protein called YAP1 affects advanced stomach cancer, especially in patients with cancer that has spread to the lining of the abdomen, to find new ways to treat this tough condition and help improve outcomes for patients.
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Investigating the common origin of esophageal and gastric cancers
This study is looking into how esophageal adenocarcinoma and intestinal gastric cancer start and develop, aiming to find early warning signs and better treatments for people dealing with these cancers.
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.