Understanding how certain proteins affect esophageal cancer development
Official title: Elucidating Novel APE1 Redox-Dependent Functions in Esophageal Adenocarcinoma
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10866610 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a protein called APE1 might play a role in the development of esophageal cancer in people with Barrett's esophagus from chronic acid reflux, and it hopes to find new ways to help treat this condition by understanding how cancer cells cope with stress and inflammation.
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 | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $393,311 |
| NIH project number | 5P01CA268991-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10866610 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with Barrett's esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma, particularly those with a history of chronic gastroesophageal reflux disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without a diagnosis of Barrett's esophagus or esophageal adenocarcinoma may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of a specific protein, AP endonuclease 1 (APE1), in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma, particularly in patients with Barrett's esophagus caused by chronic acid reflux. The study focuses on how acidic bile salts can lead to oxidative stress and inflammation, which may contribute to cancer progression. By examining the redox status of transcription factors involved in tumor growth, the research aims to uncover mechanisms that allow cancer cells to survive and resist treatment. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that improve outcomes for patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in targeting redox mechanisms in cancer, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: El-Rifai, Wael — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: El-Rifai, Wael
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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.