# Structural and molecular markers for detection and monitoring of pediatric fibrostenotic Eosinophilic Esophagitis

> **NIH NIH K23** · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · 2020 · $189,703

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
 This K23 proposal describes a 5-year career development and research program for Dr. Calies
Menard-Katcher, an Assistant Professor at the University of Colorado School of Medicine (CU SOM) and a
subspecialist within the Gastrointestinal Eosinophilic Diseases Program at Children's Hospital Colorado. This
K23 will provide the candidate necessary support to launch a successful career in patient-oriented research in
eosinophilic gastrointestinal diseases. Building on prior research experience and preliminary data, she is
investigating the fibrostenotic phenotype of pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE) by means of
complimentary and advanced assessment tools including functional luminal impedance (FLIP) and gene
analyses. This K23 application includes the following components:
 Research: EoE, a chronic, allergen triggered esophageal disease has emerged as one of the most
common causes of swallowing problems in children and adults. Esophageal stricture, also termed fibrostenotic
EoE (FS-EoE), has emerged as the major complication of EoE. This phenotype has worse clinical outcomes
and may be more resistant to current treatments. Evidence suggests that clinically meaningful assessment of
the FS esophagus is unlikely to be captured by current clinical assessment tools. Alternative strategies are
needed to assess esophageal function and the impact of remodeling beyond the mucosa to advance
understanding of disease mechanism and improve targeted therapies. Endoscopic assessment with FLIP and
endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) can provide this approach. Paired with RNA sequencing to identify novel FS-EoE
associated genes, this proposal will provide critical advancement in the study of the FS-EoE phenotype.
 We hypothesize structural measurements of the esophagus and molecular markers of tissue
remodeling will distinguish FS-EoE from non-FS EoE in pediatric subjects. We will determine distensibility of
the esophagus in pediatric FS-EoE compared to inflammatory non-FS-EoE in relation to other clinical features
of EoE (Aim 1), identify a gene signature defining pediatric FS-EoE (Aim 2) and assess changes in structural
and molecular features in response to medical treatment (Aim 3). Results from this novel research will provide
significant impact by identifying never before reported structural, functional and molecular signatures of
pediatric FS-EoE.
 Career Development: Dr. Menard-Katcher's short-term goal is to obtain the training required to become
an independent investigator with R01 funding to address important questions that will lead to better
understanding of the pathogenesis and management of EoE. This training award will allow for development of
expertise in endoscopic assessment of EoE phenotypes, next generation sequence interpretation and early
assessment of potential biomarkers. Glenn T. Furuta, MD, the primary mentor for this proposal, is a nationally
recognized investigator and clinical expert in the field of eosinophilic GI diseases...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9986772
- **Project number:** 5K23DK109263-05
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- **Principal Investigator:** CALIES D Menard-Katcher
- **Activity code:** K23 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $189,703
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2016-09-12 → 2023-01-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9986772

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9986772, Structural and molecular markers for detection and monitoring of pediatric fibrostenotic Eosinophilic Esophagitis (5K23DK109263-05). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9986772. Licensed CC0.

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