Exploring how mechanical forces affect the nervous system in Hirschsprung disease
Official title: Investigating the role of biomechanical forces on the enteric nervous system in Hirschsprung disease
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10897149 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the forces in the body affect the nerves in the intestines of children with Hirschsprung disease, to help understand why some kids have trouble with their bowel function after surgery and find ways to make their recovery better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $165,456 |
| NIH project number | 5K08DK133673-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10897149 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children diagnosed with Hirschsprung disease who are undergoing or have undergone surgical treatment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without Hirschsprung disease or those who have not had surgical intervention may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of biomechanical forces on the enteric nervous system in children with Hirschsprung disease, a condition that affects bowel function due to improper nerve development. The principal investigator, a pediatric surgeon, aims to understand why many patients experience bowel dysfunction after surgery. By examining how mechanical forces influence nerve function and development, the research seeks to identify potential pathways that could improve postoperative outcomes. This study will utilize advanced techniques to analyze the interactions between mechanical forces and nerve cells in the intestines.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical outcomes and better management of bowel dysfunction in children with Hirschsprung disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that understanding biomechanical influences on nerve function can lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cheng, Lily S — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Cheng, Lily S
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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.