Genetic Link Found to Barrett's Esophagus, Offers Hope

Case Western Reserve University researchers discover inherited genetic abnormalities that increase risk of precancerous condition.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have made a breakthrough in understanding Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition that dramatically increases the risk of developing esophageal adenocarcinoma. They discovered that inherited genetic defects in a gene called VSIG10L can weaken the esophageal lining, making it more susceptible to damage from stomach bile acid and increasing the risk of Barrett's esophagus. The findings, published in Nature Communications, provide new insights into the molecular factors responsible for the onset of this condition and could lead to earlier screening and prevention strategies.

Why it matters

Barrett's esophagus affects about 5% of the population and is a major risk factor for esophageal cancer, one of the fastest-spreading and deadliest forms of cancer. Understanding the genetic underpinnings of this condition is crucial for developing better screening and prevention methods to reduce cancer deaths.

The details

The researchers sequenced and analyzed the genetic material of 684 people from 302 families where multiple members developed Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer. They discovered that a subset of affected family members carry inherited mutations in the VSIG10L gene, which acts as a quality control system for the esophageal lining. When this gene is defective, the esophageal cells do not mature properly and the protective barrier becomes weakened, allowing stomach bile acid to cause tissue changes that enhance the risk of Barrett's esophagus. The researchers then genetically engineered mice with human-equivalent VSIG10L mutations and found that the esophageal lining became disrupted, and when exposed to bile acid, the mice developed Barrett's-like disease over time.

  • The findings were published in Nature Communications in 2026.

The players

Case Western Reserve University

A private research university in Cleveland, Ohio that has been a global leader in research on gastrointestinal oncology, with a long-standing history of clinically impactful discoveries on the genetic causes of colorectal and gastroesophageal cancers.

Kishore Guda

The lead researcher on this study, an associate professor in the Department of Pathology and GMS-Oncology at the Case Western Reserve School of Medicine and a member of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center at the Digestive Health Research Institute.

VSIG10L

A gene that acts as a quality control system for the esophageal lining. Inherited mutations in this gene can weaken the esophageal lining and increase the risk of developing Barrett's esophagus.

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What they’re saying

“We found that this gene acts like a quality control system for the esophageal lining. When it's defective, the cells do not mature properly and the protective barrier in the esophageal lining becomes weak, allowing stomach bile acid to cause tissue changes that enhances the risk of developing Barrett's esophagus.”

— Kishore Guda, Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and GMS-Oncology, Case Western Reserve School of Medicine (Nature Communications)

What’s next

With VSIG10L shown to be a key gene in maintaining esophageal health, family members can now be screened for genetic variants to identify those at a high-risk of developing Barrett's esophagus or esophageal cancer. This will enable earlier screening and the development of preventative strategies before the disease develops.

The takeaway

This breakthrough research provides new insights into the genetic underpinnings of Barrett's esophagus, a precancerous condition that significantly increases the risk of developing one of the deadliest forms of cancer. By identifying a key genetic driver of the disease, researchers can now work towards earlier detection and prevention strategies to reduce cancer deaths.