Understanding a Gene's Role in Esophageal Cancer
Official title: SOX4-Mediated Transcription Program in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11127396 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks for new ways to stop esophageal cancer from growing by understanding how certain cells change.
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 | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $404,394 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA268991-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11127396 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This foundational research does not directly involve patient participation at this stage, but future clinical trials stemming from this work would likely target patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma or Barrett's esophagus.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without esophageal adenocarcinoma or Barrett's esophagus would not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a serious cancer with limited treatment options, especially in later stages. This project aims to find new ways to treat EAC by understanding the specific changes that happen in cells as they turn cancerous. Researchers are focusing on how certain stem cells transform into cancer-initiating cells, particularly in conditions like Barrett's esophagus, which can lead to EAC. By understanding these changes, we hope to discover new targets for medicines that could prevent or treat this aggressive cancer.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments or ways to prevent esophageal adenocarcinoma, improving survival rates for patients.
How similar studies have gone: This project builds on existing knowledge about cell transformation and bile acid reflux in esophageal cancer, seeking novel mechanisms that have not yet been fully explored.
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
Related research
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A research project at MD Anderson is looking at why esophageal cancer patients often don’t fully respond to chemoradiation and how tumor biology and the surrounding environment affect treatment.
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A Mayo Clinic team is testing an AI-assisted tool that uses health data to identify people at risk for Barrett’s esophagus and early esophageal cancer so they can get timely endoscopic evaluation.
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SOX4-driven transcription in esophageal cancer
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.
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.