Fucosyltransferases and Mucosal Immunity: New Tools and Substrates
Official title: Fucosyltransferases in Mucosal Immunity: Probing Function and Innovating Tools to Define Novel Substrates
Funded at Florida International University · NIH-11429708 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to understand how specific sugar-building enzymes on mucosal surfaces shape immunity and disease, with new tools to study their substrates.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Florida International University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Miami, United States) |
| Project start | July 10, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $364,812 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM165545-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11429708 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with mucosal diseases or conditions affecting the digestive, respiratory, or reproductive tracts, or those who carry FUT polymorphisms relevant to immunity.
✕Less likely to help
People without mucosal immune concerns or those not undergoing related studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how fucosyltransferases shape the immune environment of mucosal surfaces like the gut, airways, and reproductive tract. It will map how glycans added by these enzymes influence barrier function and responses to pathogens and inflammatory conditions. The team plans to develop new methods and tools to identify novel substrates and understand signaling at the cell surface. Findings could reveal why some people are more susceptible to infections or mucosal cancers and guide future therapies. The work involves laboratory studies using human tissues and cellular models to connect basic biology with potential clinical relevance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new ways to prevent or treat mucosal infections and inflammatory diseases by targeting FUTs or their substrates.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests FUTs influence mucosal immunity and disease risk; this project aims to expand understanding with new tools.
Where this research is happening
-
Florida International University
Miami, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chandler, Kevin Brown — Florida International University
- Study coordinator: Chandler, Kevin Brown
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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.