# Project 2: Peptide imaging agents for early targets in progression from BE to EAC

> **NIH NIH U54** · UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR · 2020 · $277,863

## Abstract

Abstract – This research project falls under effects of spatial distribution of genetic alterations in BE on the 
evolution of EAC as one of the areas defined in RFA-CA-16-006. We have previously identified EGFR and 
ErbB2 based on high-frequency gene amplification using gene expression profiles as cell surface targets for 
imaging of EAC and have developed monomer peptides specific for these targets. We now aim to develop 
new peptides specific for early targets that arise in progression from BE to EAC to be identified in Project 1. 
Recently, we have identified a monomer peptide that is specific for the early target FGFR2. Because genetic 
events that drive progression of BE to EAC can be occur in multiple signaling pathways, we will develop a 
panel of overexpressed targets to detect the largest percentage of patients with HGD and early EAC. Because 
early targets are expected to be expressed at low levels, we will arrange validated monomers in a dimer 
configuration to produce multivalent ligand-target interactions for improving binding performance. This effect is 
used by antibodies to achieve very high binding affinity and specificity. Higher sensitivity can occur from 
simultaneous detection of two unique targets. Greater specificity may arise from dimer binding to larger 
regions of target epitope compared with that of monomer. We will use fluorophores as labels that emit with 
non-overlapping spectra for imaging with a flexible fiber multi-spectral endoscope. The instrument is small 
enough to pass through the working channel of a standard medical endoscope, and can image the mucosal 
surface of the distal esophagus in real time to guide tissue biopsy. We will perform “first-in-human” clinical 
studies to establish safety and provide early evidence of efficacy for this novel, integrated imaging approach. 
 Successful completion of the aims will result in a panel of monomer peptides specific for early targets that 
arise in progression of BE to EAC that are arranged as dimers and clinical demonstrated for safety and early 
evidence of efficacy.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9948590
- **Project number:** 5U54CA163059-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN AT ANN ARBOR
- **Principal Investigator:** Thomas D Wang
- **Activity code:** U54 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $277,863
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9948590

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9948590, Project 2: Peptide imaging agents for early targets in progression from BE to EAC (5U54CA163059-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-01 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9948590. Licensed CC0.

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