Helicobacter pylori-Induced DNA Double-Strand Breaks and Gastric Cancer
Abstract
The proposal relates specifically to the Topic Area of stomach cancer. The project addresses the Military Relevance Focus Areas: military-relevant exposure to infectious agents and gaps in stomach cancer treatment with profound impact on military Service members, Veterans, and their beneficiaries. Stomach cancer is the fourth most common cause of cancer-related death in the world, and infection with the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is the most significant risk factor for development of stomach cancer. Military Service members and Veterans are at increased risk of developing stomach cancer due to increased exposure to and risk for acquiring an H. pylori infection. Though it’s not completely clear how H. pylori causes cancer, it is believed that the bacterium is able to damage our genes and that that damage is what leads to cancer. Our proposal seeks to understand exactly how the bacterium is able to damage our genes. The proposal is built around the following hypotheses: (1) H. pylori infection stimulates the accumulation of structures called R-loops and these structures are responsible for damaging our genes, and (2) stopping formation of the R-loop structures will stop damage to the genes and stop formation of stomach cancer. Given that we do not understand how H. pylori causes cancer, any information that we can gain about that process has the potential to help reveal areas that can be targeted to treat or prevent cancer. For example, if the R-loop structures are involved in damaging our genes and that is what causes stomach cancer, we may be able to figure out a way to block R-loop formation, stop gene damage, and stop stomach cancer. It is well established that military Service members and their families, particularly those that are deployed overseas, are at a greater risk of becoming infected with H. pylori via increased exposure. Furthermore, U.S. Soldiers living under field conditions may be at even greater risk of H. pylori infection. Thus, military Service members and Veterans are at increased risk of developing stomach cancer. Indeed, stomach cancer has been recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs as presumed to be Service-connected based on hazardous exposures. Thus, our work has the potential to impact military Service members, Veterans, military beneficiaries, and civilians.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 29, 2018
- Source ID
- W81XWH1810325
Entities
People
- Douglas Merrell
Organizations
- Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- United States Army