Antibody to protect intestinal stem cells from radiation damage
Anti-ceramide Ab Preserves Intestinal Stem Cells and Prevents GI-ARS and GI-DEARE
An antibody given after high radiation exposure to protect the gut's stem cells and reduce life‑threatening intestinal injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11239137 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
You would be hearing about work to develop an antibody that sticks to a fat molecule called ceramide on blood vessel cells in the gut and stops them from dying after high-dose radiation. In mice, giving this antibody around 24 hours after radiation preserved intestinal stem cells, prevented breakdown of the gut lining, and improved survival. The project follows these preclinical results to refine dosing, timing, and safety and to move the approach closer to use for humans at risk of gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome. If human trials are run, they would likely start at specialized centers experienced in radiation injury.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People exposed to high doses of radiation affecting the abdomen or those at high risk for gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (for example, certain radiation-accident victims or similar emergencies) would be the most likely candidates.
Not a fit: People with chronic non‑radiation gut diseases or those who are treated long after the gut crypts have already irreversibly collapsed are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could prevent or reduce deadly gut damage after a high radiation exposure.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical mouse experiments using anti‑ceramide antibodies have protected animals from lethal GI‑ARS, but this approach has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kolesnick, Richard N — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Kolesnick, Richard N
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.