SOX4-driven transcription in esophageal cancer
Official title: SOX4-Mediated Transcription Program in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11362549 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying how a specific gene network drives esophageal cancer that can arise from Barrett's esophagus, aiming to uncover new targets for therapy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $404,394 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA268991-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11362549 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with Barrett’s esophagus or chronic reflux who are at risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma may benefit from future therapies arising from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without Barrett’s esophagus or esophageal cancer risk are unlikely to directly benefit from this mechanistic study.
What this research studies
This project focuses on the molecular mechanisms that push stem-like cells in the esophagus toward cancer, with a particular look at how SOX4 and related transcription programs contribute to this transition. Using a major NIH program (P01), scientists will explore how basal cell–driven regulatory circuits interact with bile-acid reflux to initiate and promote esophageal adenocarcinoma. The work combines laboratory studies and disease-focused questions to identify vulnerabilities that could be targeted by future treatments. If successful, the findings could point to new strategies to prevent or slow cancer development in people with Barrett’s esophagus and chronic reflux. The research is centered at the University of Miami and seeks to translate mechanistic insights into potential therapeutic approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new targets for preventing or treating Barrett-associated esophageal adenocarcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work has linked stem cell–driven transitions and regulatory programs to cancer initiation, supporting the potential of this approach, though the exact SOX4 pathway in EAC is being further tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Que, Jianwen — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Que, Jianwen
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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.