cGMP cell signaling and the aging gut
The cGMP-signaling axis in intestinal aging.
This project looks at whether fixing a cell-signaling pathway called cGMP can help prevent age-related gut problems like constipation, leaky gut, and higher colon cancer risk in older adults.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182473 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you're an older adult, this work is trying to understand why the gut lining changes with age and how that raises the chance of constipation, barrier problems, inflammation, and colon cancer. The researchers study cGMP signaling using lab experiments and mouse models that mimic intestinal aging. They will test whether boosting cGMP signaling in the gut lining improves barrier function and reduces inflammatory changes linked to disease. Results will be used to guide future ways to prevent or treat age-related gut conditions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Older adults who have chronic constipation, signs of intestinal barrier dysfunction, or are at increased risk for colorectal cancer would be the most relevant population for this line of research.
Not a fit: Younger people or patients whose symptoms are caused by infections, medications, or unrelated non-age-related conditions are less likely to benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent or treat constipation, intestinal barrier problems, and possibly reduce colorectal cancer risk in older adults.
How similar studies have performed: Related studies have shown reduced cGMP signaling in other aging tissues and promising results in mouse models, but targeting cGMP in the aging human gut is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Browning, Darren D. — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Browning, Darren D.
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.