93: HPV in Barrett’s Oesophagus

The potential role of Human Papilloma Virus in short and long segment Barrett’s Oesophagus and the development of Dysplasia ($70,000 – 2 yrs) – Assoc Prof Shan Rajendra and Assoc Prof Elizabeth Snow

This is an extension of a previosuly funded project to investiagte the possible role of human papilloma virus (HPV) in the etiology and progression of Barrett’s oesophagus to oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Our team of multidisciplinary researchers have been working on this project for 18 months (project funded for $39,000 in 2009 round). We have some interesting results. This application is to undertake further sampling and analysis to confirm the present findings and to extend the project with additional morphological examination, repeat biopsy in selected patients and further molecular analysis, including visualising HPV DNA in individual cells using fluorescent in situ hybridisation (FISH). We also wish to undertake further protein analysis using the state of the art “MUDPIT” technology, as funding initially enabled only a few samples to be analysed, but the technique is potentially very powerful. We also wish to complement the analysis of immunological markers being undertaking on the biopsy lesions with blood HLA analysis, as investiagtion of the link between this disorder and immune status is very relevant. Further results from this application, if successful, would facilitate our planned application to the NHMRC for a multicentre study.