Epigenetic changes linked to gut barrier problems in HIV, and how to fix them
Official title: Epigenetic modulation of intestinal epithelial dysfunction in HIV/SIV infection
Funded at Texas Biomedical Research Institute · NIH-11328410 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how DNA methylation and open chromatin in the gut lining contribute to barrier dysfunction in people living with HIV onART, with potential ways to improve gut health and reduce inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Biomedical Research Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Antonio, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $905,998 |
| NIH project number | 1R01DK146767-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11328410 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults living with HIV on stable ART who have gut-related symptoms or inflammation markers and are willing to provide tissue samples or participate in related analyses.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without HIV or who are not on ART would not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
People living with HIV on effective ART can still have gut barrier problems that lead to inflammation. This project looks at epigenetic changes in gut cells and how they may drive epithelial dysfunction, using advanced techniques to map DNA methylation and chromatin accessibility in colon tissue. The goal is to identify epigenetic targets that could be modulated to restore barrier integrity and reduce systemic inflammation. The research includes studies in primate models and may inform future therapies to improve gut health in HIV patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal new targets to restore gut barrier function and lower inflammation for people with HIV.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in primate models show epigenetic changes associated with gut epithelial dysfunction, suggesting a promising avenue.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Biomedical Research Institute
San Antonio, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohan, Mahesh — Texas Biomedical Research Institute
- Study coordinator: Mohan, Mahesh
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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.