ACE2 biomarker for early GI radiation injury detection
Official title: Identification of ACE2 as an early tissue-specific biomarker of GI-ARS using a dual specimen strategy
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-11387919 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study in mice will test whether measuring ACE2 in blood and poop can detect gastrointestinal radiation damage earlier than current methods.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $156,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI193883-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11387919 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals at risk of GI-ARS or patients with suspected GI radiation injury where early biomarker testing could guide care (in future clinical contexts).
✕Less likely to help
Direct benefit in humans will require further clinical validation; initial work is in animal models.
What this research studies
This project will test a dual-specimen strategy to detect GI-ARS early after radiation exposure by tracking ACE2 levels in both feces and blood serum. Using total-body irradiated mouse models, researchers will observe how ACE2 changes over time and with different radiation doses to see if it predicts GI injury sooner than existing markers. The goal is a simple, minimally invasive test that helps clinicians identify GI-ARS early and guide timely care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this biomarker approach could enable earlier diagnosis of GI-ARS and faster treatment to improve survival after radiation exposure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous GI-ARS biomarkers like serum citrulline work but only after ~48 hours; this study explores earlier indicators.
Where this research is happening
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Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suman, Shubhankar — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Suman, Shubhankar
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.