NIH-funded research Career grant

Understanding how certain genetic changes lead to advanced stomach cancer

Official title: Mechanisms of CDH1-inactivated advanced gastric adenocarcinoma tumorigenesis

Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11052790 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Houston, United States)
Project startFebruary 1, 2025
Project endJanuary 31, 2027
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$125,783
NIH project number1K99CA286745-01A1
Project IDNIH-11052790 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with advanced gastric adenocarcinoma, particularly those with CDH1 inactivation.

Less likely to help

Patients with early-stage gastric cancer or those whose tumors do not involve CDH1 inactivation may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the mechanisms behind advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (GAC), particularly focusing on the role of the CDH1 gene in tumor development. By identifying specific subtypes of GAC, the study aims to stratify patients for tailored treatments based on their tumor characteristics. The researchers utilize advanced techniques, including murine organoid models and genetic engineering, to explore how these tumors grow and respond to therapies. The goal is to uncover unique immune profiles and potential therapeutic targets that could improve patient outcomes.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective, personalized treatment options for patients with advanced gastric cancer.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting specific genetic alterations in cancer, suggesting that this approach could yield significant insights and advancements.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
    Houston, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Zou, Gengyi — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
  • Study coordinator: Zou, Gengyi

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Understanding how CDH1 loss drives aggressive stomach cancer and how to target it

    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.

    NIH research Louisiana State Univ Hsc Shreveport · Shreveport, United States · NIH-11512968

  • 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.

    NIH research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston-Salem, United States · NIH-11416592

  • 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.

    NIH research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston-Salem, United States · NIH-11399448

  • 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.

    NIH research Coriell Institute for Medical Research · Camden, United States · NIH-11167443

  • 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.

    NIH research Coriell Institute for Medical Research · Camden, United States · NIH-10933008

  • 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.

    NIH research University of Houston · Houston, United States · NIH-10925194

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.