Targeting YAP1 to stop stomach cancer spread and immune suppression
Molecular dissecting and targeting YAP1 mediated cancer stemness and immune suppression in advanced gastric adenocarcinoma
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 ID | NIH-11167443 on NIH RePORTER |
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.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: 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.
Not a fit: 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.
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 performed: 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
Camden, United States
- Coriell Institute for Medical Research — Camden, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Song, Shumei — Coriell Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Song, Shumei
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.