Gut nerve cells and digestive symptoms in autism
Development, Function, and Dysfunction of Gastrointestinal Tract-Innervating Dorsal Root Ganglia Neurons in Autism Spectrum Disorder
This project looks at whether changes in gut-sensing nerve cells contribute to digestive problems in people with autism, especially in children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262915 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will focus on the nerve cells (dorsal root ganglia neurons) that send signals from the gut to the spinal cord to see how they develop and function in autism. Using laboratory experiments informed by prior genetic findings, they will examine how autism-linked changes alter these gut-sensing neurons and how gut signals are processed in the spinal cord. The team aims to link nerve-cell changes to common GI symptoms like pain, constipation, or diarrhea and to related behavioral changes. Findings are intended to guide ideas for new treatments that target the nerve pathways causing GI dysfunction.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be children with autism who experience chronic gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, vomiting, or diarrhea.
Not a fit: People with autism who do not have GI symptoms, or whose problems are not related to gut nerve function, may not receive direct benefit from this research in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce gut pain and other GI problems in people with autism and may help ease related behavioral symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory work by the investigators showed that autism-linked genes affect these nerve cells, but translating that knowledge into treatments remains largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Orefice, Lauren Lynn — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Orefice, Lauren Lynn
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.