Why the esophagus heals differently in people of African and European ancestry.
Utilizing a human stem cell model of the esophagus to understand racial disparities during injury repair
Researchers are using esophagus stem cells from people of different ancestries to learn why some groups have less damage from acid reflux.
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-11257329 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project builds a library of human esophagus stem cells and organoids from donors of different ancestries and uses image-based lab tests to mimic acid and bile injury. Scientists compare how cells from African American and European American donors respond to damage, focusing on a protective enzyme called GSTT2. They will test how lowering or boosting GSTT2 changes injury and look for drugs or mechanisms that keep the esophageal lining healthy. The work uses human-derived models to link laboratory findings to clinical patterns in patients.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be adults of diverse racial backgrounds who can donate esophageal tissue or cells, or later join clinical efforts informed by these lab findings.
Not a fit: People who are unwilling or unable to provide tissue samples, or those without esophageal disease, may not see direct benefits in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal targets or approaches to protect the esophagus from acid-related injury and reduce risk of metaplasia or cancer, possibly with therapies tailored by ancestry.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab and tissue studies have shown ancestry-related differences in esophageal injury and linked GSTT2 to protection, but using diverse stem-cell models to test therapies is a newer approach.
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.