Understanding how H. pylori bacteria cause stomach problems
Official title: Genetic requirements of Helicobacter pylori infection
Funded at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11012785 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores the genetic makeup of H. pylori bacteria to understand how they cause long-term stomach infections and lead to serious conditions like ulcers and stomach cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2003 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $489,160 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI054423-21 |
| Project ID | NIH-11012785 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is relevant to individuals who have or are at risk for H. pylori infection, chronic stomach inflammation, peptic ulcers, or gastric adenocarcinoma.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without H. pylori infection or related stomach conditions may not directly benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
Many people worldwide carry H. pylori bacteria in their stomach, which can cause inflammation and, for some, severe diseases like peptic ulcers and gastric cancer. This project looks at how these bacteria adapt genetically within the human stomach over time, especially as the stomach lining changes. We are also learning how H. pylori influences the body's immune response, which can contribute to chronic inflammation. By understanding these genetic and immune interactions, we hope to find new ways to prevent or treat H. pylori-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better strategies for preventing and treating H. pylori infections and reducing the risk of stomach cancer.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that H. pylori adapts genetically during human infection and modulates the immune system, providing a foundation for this continued investigation.
Where this research is happening
-
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Salama, Nina — Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center
- Study coordinator: Salama, Nina
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how Helicobacter pylori causes disease and how to block it
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Genetic factors shaping Helicobacter pylori infection
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Family-based testing to prevent gastric cancer from Helicobacter pylori
A doctor-facing plan to test and treat multiple family members of someone with H. pylori to prevent stomach cancer in adults.
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New cancer-causing mechanisms in H. pylori infection
A scientist is studying how Helicobacter pylori may cause stomach cancer and how this knowledge could lead to better treatments for patients.
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How H. pylori infection may cause stomach inflammation and early cancer changes
This project looks at how H. pylori infection together with an activated cancer-related gene (KRAS) changes stomach cells toward precancerous and cancerous states, mainly using mouse models.
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How H. pylori causes stomach infection and disease
This project looks at bacterial proteins that help H. pylori survive in the stomach to help people with H. pylori infections and related ulcers or cancer risk.
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.