Systemic Investigation of the Microbiome-host Interactions in H. pylori-associated Gastric Cancer Patients

JI Program: GI & Liver

Summary

Gastric cancer is the fifth most prevalent malignancy and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Almost a half of new cases of gastric cancer occurred in China, where it is the second leading cause of cancer death. The strongest risk factor for gastric cancer is chronic Helicobacter pylori infection. People with H. pylori infection have a roughly six-fold greater risk of developing gastric cancer than uninfected people. However, not all people infected with H. pylori will develop gastric cancer, suggesting more factors and mechanisms involved in gastric carcinogenesis. We hypothesize that complex interactions between host genetic susceptible factors, H. pylori, and other gut microbes influence the host molecular and cellular activities, leading to the development of gastric cancer. Our study will identify candidate synergistic factors with H. pylori in gastric carcinogenesis, with ex vivo verification using organoid models. This systematic study will identify candidate synergistic factors with H. pylori in gastric carcinogenesis and provide proof-of-concept ex vivo experimental verification using organoid models, leading to further understanding of gastric carcinogenesis.