Program News
Publication Highlights
Guenther et al. showed that the transcription factor SRY-Box 9 (SOX9) is a master regulator of spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplastic (SPEM) cell lineage evolution and progression. They also found that SOX9-mediated SPEM cell plasticity is a central mechanism in gastric carcinogenesis.
de Barros et al. identified potential regulators of gastric epithelial homeostasis through single-nucleus multiome sequencing, uncovering a novel network of transcription factors that delineate cell identities.
Xian et al. examined the involvement of stem cells in the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma, tracing their role from the precursor lesion stage to the formation of carcinoma. Through application of technology that allowed for selective cloning of stem cells from patient-matched endoscopic biopsies of precursor lesions, they identified distinct populations of stem cells that may serve as potential therapeutic targets.
Program News
Several pilot and travel awards to early career scientists and trainees were competed successfully by the Coordinating Center to increase participation of the new generation of scientists in the program.
Program Digital Media
Learn more about this initiative at the Program on the Origins of Gastroesophageal Cancers Website.
Program Meetings
March 2027
Annual In-Person investigators Meetings at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY.
October 2026
Scientific Mid-Term Webinar- Invited guest speakers will present on gastric and esophageal cancers biology.
March 2026
Annual In-Person investigators Meetings held at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN. Investigators in the program and invited guests from the larger scientific community discussed novel ways to collaborate on gastroesophageal cancer research.
Meeting sessions focused on the following areas:
- Stem and Progenitor Cell Biology
- Cooption of Developmental and Regenerative Mechanisms
- Leveraging Emerging Technologies and Modeling
- Early Career Scientists Spotlight
September 2025
Special Scientific Webinar - Invited guest speakers presented on gastric and esophageal cancers biology.
March 2025
Annual In-Person Meeting - Investigators in the program, as well as invited guests from the larger scientific community, gave presentations on their projects and discussed ways to increase collaborations in this research field.
March 2023 and March 2024
Annual In-Person Meetings at Columbia University (2023) and the NCI Shady Grove Campus (2024) - Investigators in the program, as well as invited guests from the larger scientific community, gave presentations on their projects and discussed ways to increase collaborations in this research field.
October 2023
Special Scientific Webinar - Invited guest speakers presented on gastric and esophageal cancers biology.
January 2023
Pre-Kickoff Introductory Meeting (Virtual)
Contact for the Program
For additional information about the Program on the Origins of Gastroesophageal Cancers, please contact Dr. Rihab Yassin.
Funded Projects
Research Projects on the Origins of Gastroesophageal Cancers (R01s)
| Institution | Principal Investigator(s) | Project Title |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia University Health Sciences | Julian Abrams, Michael Quante, Harris Wang | The Role of Secondary Bile Acids in Gastro-Esophageal Neoplasia |
| Columbia University Health Sciences | Sandra Ryeom, Silas Maniatis, and Karol P. Nowicki-Osuch | Initiation of Diffuse and Intestinal Non-Cardia Gastric Cancer |
| Columbia University Health Sciences | Anil K. Rustgi, Marcia R. Cruz-Correa, James M. Wells | Mechanisms Underlying Gastric Intestinal Metaplasia and Carcinogenesis |
| Columbia University Health Sciences | Timothy C. Wang, Jianwen Que | Gastroesophageal Junction Stem Cells as the Origin of Barretts Esophagus and Cancer |
| University of Houston | Frank D. McKeon, Jaffer A. Ajani, Wa Xian | Common Stem Cell of Origin for Junctional and Gastric Adenocarcinoma |
| Vanderbilt University | Eunyoung Choi, James R. Goldenring | Cell Plasticity in the Origin of Gastric Carcinogenesis |
Coordinating Center for the Program on the Origins of Gastroesophageal Cancers (U24)
| Institution | Principal Investigator(s) | Project Title |
|---|---|---|
| Columbia University Health Sciences | Chin Hur, Jeanine M. Genkinger, Jianhua Hu | Coordinating Center for the Program on the Origins of Gastroesophageal Cancers |