Anal transition zone cells that repair the colon lining
Official title: Colonic epithelial wound healing by anal transitional cells
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11325804 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Seeing if special cells near the anus can help heal the damaged colon lining for people with inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $564,004 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135954-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11325804 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with inflammatory bowel disease affecting the colon—especially ulcerative colitis or colonic Crohn's with ongoing mucosal injury—would be the most relevant candidates for related future trials or sample donation.
✕Less likely to help
People whose disease is limited to the small intestine, who do not have colonic mucosal injury, or whose condition is not IBD are less likely to benefit from these findings.
What this research studies
This project follows a tiny band of 'skin-like' cells at the anal transition zone (ATZ) that can move into an injured colon and form a new lining called squamous neo-epithelium of colon (SNEC). Researchers use lab models of colitis, cell tracing, and molecular analyses to watch how those ATZ cells survive inflammation, migrate, and rebuild the epithelial barrier. They compare these cells to normal colon cells to find the genes and signals that allow ATZ cells to resist damage and promote repair. The team aims to identify pathways that could be targeted by future treatments to speed mucosal healing in people with IBD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to help the bowel lining heal faster and more completely in inflammatory bowel disease, potentially reducing flares and the need for surgery.
How similar studies have gone: Early animal studies have shown ATZ cells can generate a new colon-like lining in mice, but translating this into human therapies is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Cambrian Yangshao — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Liu, Cambrian Yangshao
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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.