Targeting YAP1 to stop stomach cancer spread and immune suppression
Official title: Molecular dissecting and targeting YAP1 mediated cancer stemness and immune suppression in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma
Funded at Coriell Institute for Medical Research · NIH-11167443 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Coriell Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Camden, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $884,176 |
| NIH project number | 4R01CA269685-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11167443 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with advanced gastric (stomach) adenocarcinoma, especially those whose cancer has spread to the peritoneum (peritoneal carcinomatosis) or who can donate tumor or ascites samples.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage stomach cancer that has not spread to the peritoneum or people with unrelated cancers are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this project.
What this research studies
Researchers will use tumor tissue and fluid (ascites) samples collected from people with gastric cancer that has spread to the peritoneum to see which cells and immune signals are present. They will apply single-cell RNA sequencing to map tumor and immune cells and study how the YAP1 protein promotes cancer stem-like behavior, spread, and immune suppression. In laboratory models and mice, the team will remove or block YAP1 to check whether tumors grow less, spread less, and let T cells (CD3/CD8) mount a stronger attack. The project also searches patient samples for other immune targets (such as TIM3/Galectin-9, TGF-β, and VISTA) that could become new treatment options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that prevent or slow peritoneal spread and boost anti-tumor immunity, potentially improving outcomes for gastric cancer patients with peritoneal metastases.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown YAP1 can drive tumor growth and immune suppression, but targeting YAP1 in patients remains largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
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Coriell Institute for Medical Research
Camden, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Shumei — Coriell Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Song, Shumei
Related research
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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.
-
Investigating the common origin of esophageal and gastric cancers
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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.