A mucus protein (FCGBP) and its role in colon health and gut bacteria
Novel roles of Fc gamma binding protein in colonic host-microbiota interactions
This research looks at whether the mucus protein FCGBP helps keep the colon lining and gut bacteria healthy for people with ulcerative colitis or colorectal cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11325472 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers are studying a mucus protein called FCGBP that sits in the lining of the large intestine. They use mice that lack FCGBP and compare their mucus structure, inflammation, and the types of bacteria living in the mucus to normal mice. The team will look for molecular changes and compensatory pathways that appear when FCGBP is low or missing. Where possible, they will relate those findings to human disease by comparing results with patient data or samples.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with ulcerative colitis or colorectal cancer, and sometimes healthy volunteers who can provide stool or colon tissue samples, would be most relevant for connecting the lab findings to humans.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment effects should not expect direct benefit from this laboratory-focused research, and people without colon conditions are unlikely to gain clinical benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new ways to strengthen the colon barrier or identify targets to help prevent or slow ulcerative colitis and colorectal cancer.
How similar studies have performed: Some prior studies have linked low FCGBP levels to worse outcomes in colitis and colorectal cancer, but the specific functions of FCGBP are still largely unproven and this work is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Maynard, Craig L — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Maynard, Craig L
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.