In vivo models for understanding the cellular and molecular pathogenesis of Barrett's Oesophagus [ 2006 - 2008 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Wayne Phillips (Principal investigator) ,  A/Pr Pritinder Kaur ,  Prof Robert Thomas

Brief description The incidence of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, a malignancy that is almost invariably fatal, has doubled in recent years and continues to increase at an alarming rate. Oesophageal adenocarcinoma arises from Barrett's oesophagus, a premalignant condition that effects up to 2% of the population. In Barrett's, the normal cells of the oesophageal lining are changed to become more like cells that line the intestine. We have developed novel 3-dimensional cell culture models that allow us to reproduce the normal layered structure of the human oesophageal lining in the laboratory and we propose to use these models to address key issues in the biology of Barrett's oesophagus. In aim 1, we wish to determine if the cells in patients with Barrett's have been permanently, or only transiently, altered and to understand the role of gastric acid- bile and accessory cells in this transformation. In aim 2 we will look more closely at the molecular changes that drive the cellular transformation characteristic of Barrett's. We will do this by manipulating the expression of selected genes in human oesophageal cells and assessing the effects of these genes on cell growth and differentiation using our cell culture models. The results of these studies will pave the way for the design of appropriate clinical strategies to treat Barrett's oesophagus and prevent the progression of this premalignant condition to oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Funding Amount $AUD 283,767.61

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant