Tracking mitochondrial mutations in Barrett's esophagus to understand cancer progression
Official title: Single-cell mitochondrial mutation lineage tracing of non-dysplastic and dysplastic Barrett's esophagus
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11145932 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how Barrett's esophagus changes over time and what happens at the molecular level as it can lead to cancer, so that patients can gain insights that might help with earlier diagnosis and better treatment options.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $679,255 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135729-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11145932 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus, particularly those with non-dysplastic or dysplastic forms of the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Barrett's esophagus or those with advanced esophageal cancer may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how Barrett's esophagus, a condition that can lead to esophageal cancer, transitions from a non-dysplastic to a dysplastic state. By using advanced techniques like single-cell mitochondrial mutation lineage tracing and RNA sequencing, the study aims to identify the molecular changes that occur during this transformation. Patients may benefit from insights into the early events that lead to cancer, potentially leading to new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The research focuses on understanding the role of specific genetic pathways involved in this progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier detection and better treatment options for patients at risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using single-cell analysis techniques to understand cancer progression, indicating that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shaffer, Sydney — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Shaffer, Sydney
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.