Microbiome Involvement With Barrett's Esophagus and Progression to Esophageal Adenocarcinoma

Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, can lead to a change of the esophagus lining to a protective cell type, termed Barrett's esophagus (BE). A diagnosis of BE greatly increases the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The incidence of EAC has been rapidly rising in the last 30 years, and the cancer has a high mortality rate. Understanding the involvement of the esophageal microbiota could lead to prevention strategies to this increasing health concern.

This study will examine the hypothesis that altered esophageal microbiome leads to the development of esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). The aims of the project are, firstly the confirmation of relational data on the study cohort, using the methods developed and applied at the laboratory at University of Queensland Diamantina Institute (UQDI). Second, to generate a tissue microarray resource future tissue in-situ validation of microbes. And finally, to develop a biobank of clinical isolates of relevant esophageal microbes for future functional studies.