VSIG10L gene's role in Barrett's esophagus and cancer risk
Deciphering the Molecular Genetics of VSIG10L in Barrett's Neoplasia
This project looks at whether changes in the VSIG10L gene weaken the esophagus lining and raise cancer risk for people with Barrett's esophagus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11179394 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work follows a gene called VSIG10L that researchers think helps keep the esophagus lining strong. They use genetic analyses, electron microscopy, and specially bred mice that carry human-like VSIG10L changes to see how those changes affect cells at the squamo-columnar junction. The team exposes mice to stressors such as deoxycholate to model how damage can lead to Barrett-like changes over time and will compare findings with human tissues where possible. The aim is to pinpoint molecular signs and targets that could become biomarkers or prevention/treatment strategies for people with Barrett's esophagus.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Barrett's esophagus—especially those with a family history of Barrett's or esophageal cancer or who have genetic changes in VSIG10L—would be the most relevant candidates to contribute samples or participate in follow-up studies.
Not a fit: People without Barrett's esophagus or those with advanced esophageal cancer are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this early-mechanism research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify biomarkers to predict which people with Barrett's esophagus are at higher risk and suggest new ways to prevent or treat progression to cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Previous genetic and mouse-model studies support a role for VSIG10L in epithelial integrity, but translating these findings into human biomarkers and prevention is largely novel.
Where this research is happening
Cleveland, United States
- Case Western Reserve University — Cleveland, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chak, Amitabh — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Chak, Amitabh
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.