Understanding how CDH1 loss drives aggressive stomach cancer and how to target it
Official title: Mechanisms of CDH1-inactivated advanced gastric adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis
Funded at Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport · NIH-11512968 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Researchers are studying why certain advanced stomach cancers grow and spread, with a focus on CDH1 inactivation and related pathways to find ways to improve treatment for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Shreveport, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $249,000 |
| NIH project number | 4R00CA286745-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11512968 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, especially those whose tumors show CDH1 inactivation or related molecular subtypes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without these molecular features or those not eligible for targeted approaches may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant studies advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, a hard-to-treat stomach cancer, by looking at the biology behind its progression and identifying subtypes. It uses patient tumor data and mouse models to understand how CDH1 loss, SOX4 and EZH2 activation, and other molecular features influence tumor behavior. The team will create and study organoid and animal models, then test targeted interventions to see if they slow growth or improve survival. Findings could guide future therapies tailored to specific molecular profiles in patients. The work aims to translate mechanistic insights into more effective treatment options for people with advanced disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to more precise therapies for advanced gastric cancer and better outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work links CDH1 and related pathways to gastric cancer aggressiveness, and this study builds on that by integrating organoid models and targeted interventions.
Where this research is happening
-
Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
Shreveport, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zou, Gengyi — Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport
- Study coordinator: Zou, Gengyi
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Common stem cell origin in Barrett's-related cancers
This research looks at whether a single stem cell type drives both esophageal and gastric cancers that arise from Barrett’s esophagus, with the aim of finding shared clues to prevent or treat these diseases.
-
Shared stem cell source for lower esophagus and upper stomach cancers
This project looks at whether the same type of stem cell drives cancers that start in Barrett's esophagus and the nearby stomach, with implications for people who have Barrett's esophagus or gastric intestinal metaplasia.
-
Targeting YAP1 to stop stomach cancer spread and immune suppression
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.
-
Understanding how certain genetic changes lead to advanced stomach cancer
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.
-
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
This study is looking into how esophageal adenocarcinoma and intestinal gastric cancer start and develop, aiming to find early warning signs and better treatments for people dealing with these cancers.
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.