Bidirectional brain-gut signaling in IBS-like symptoms in IBD

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project looks at why some people with IBD continue to have abdominal pain and gut symptoms even when inflammation is not active. By examining the brain–gut connection and autonomic nervous system activity, the study aims to identify central mechanisms that sustain symptoms. The team will use brain imaging, gut physiology measurements, and biomarkers to understand how CAN and ANS contribute to visceral hypersensitivity and altered motility. The goal is to uncover targets that could guide new treatments for the troublesome IBS-like symptoms in IBD patients.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• University of California Los Angeles
  Los Angeles, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Chang, Lin — University of California Los Angeles
• Study coordinator: Chang, Lin

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Mitochondrial Talks: How Energy Networks Shape Inflammatory Bowel Disease

  Aimed at people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), this project explores how tiny cell powerhouses in the gut may go out of balance and contribute to IBD, with the goal of restoring energy and reducing disease symptoms.

  NIH research University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · Pittsburgh, United States · NIH-11421488

• Mn in inflammatory bowel disease: how manganese and genes may shape gut inflammation

  This grant studies how the mineral manganese and a specific gene variant may influence inflammatory bowel disease in people of different ages.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11420332

• AI-Enhanced Virtual Reality CBT to Reduce Anxiety for IBD Patients

  A home-based VR and AI-powered cognitive behavioral therapy program is being tested to help people with inflammatory bowel disease feel less anxious and improve their quality of life.

  NIH research Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11415875

• Gasdermin-based epithelial function in inflammatory bowel disease

  A funding opportunity that explores how gasdermin proteins affect the lining of the gut and may influence inflammatory bowel disease.

  NIH research Case Western Reserve University · Cleveland, United States · NIH-11408704

• Intestinal chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans and their role in inflammatory bowel disease

  A clinician-scientist mentoring program aims to advance understanding of how intestinal sugar molecules called chondroitin sulfate glycosaminoglycans influence inflammatory bowel disease and patient care.

  NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-11406345

• Improving IBD outcomes through community awareness, referrals, and education

  A U01 grant will support programs to raise awareness, improve referrals, and educate patients and clinicians about inflammatory bowel disease to improve diagnosis and care.

  NIH research Crohn's and Colitis Fdn of America, INC. · New York, United States · NIH-11403048

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.