Understanding how racial differences affect esophagus injury repair using stem cells
Utilizing a human stem cell model of the esophagus to understand racial disparities during injury repair
This study is looking at how esophageal cells from African Americans and European Americans react differently to damage caused by acid reflux, with the goal of finding better treatment options that are tailored to each group.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11228883 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how esophageal cells from African Americans respond differently to injury compared to those from European Americans. By creating a diverse biobank of human esophagus stem cells, the study aims to explore the genetic and molecular mechanisms behind these differences in response to gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD). The researchers will utilize advanced imaging techniques to analyze how these cells react to bile-acid injury, focusing on a specific enzyme that may protect against DNA damage. This approach could lead to new insights into treatment options tailored to different racial groups.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include African American individuals with gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) who are interested in understanding their unique health responses.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have gastro-esophageal reflux disease (GERD) or those outside the African American demographic may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment strategies for esophageal conditions that consider racial differences in disease response.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding racial disparities in disease response, but this specific approach using a diverse stem cell model is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- University of Colorado Denver — Aurora, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferrer-Torres, Daysha — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Ferrer-Torres, Daysha
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 below.