Gut nerve-generating cells in adults
Characterizing neurogenic progenitors in the adult intestine
['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-11247490
This project looks at how certain support cells in the adult gut can turn into new nerve cells to help people with nerve-related bowel problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11247490 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are identifying specific support (glial) cells in the adult intestine that appear able to become neurons. They will study the molecular signals and chromatin changes that trigger this neuron-making, using lab techniques like gene expression profiling and chromatin mapping (e.g., CUT&RUN) on human and model tissues. The team will test how inflammation and other signals activate these cells and try to replicate those conditions in the lab. The aim is to learn ways to stimulate or expand these progenitor cells so they might one day repair damaged gut nerves that cause motility disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with neurointestinal disorders (for example gastroparesis, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, slow transit constipation, or Hirschsprung disease) or adults willing to donate intestinal tissue could potentially be involved.
Not a fit: People whose bowel problems are caused primarily by structural blockages, infections, or conditions without nerve loss may not directly benefit from these findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that restore gut nerves and improve bowel movement for people with disorders like gastroparesis, Hirschsprung disease, or slow transit constipation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous laboratory studies have shown enteric glial cells can adopt neuronal features under certain conditions, but turning those findings into safe, effective patient treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GOLDSTEIN, ALLAN M — MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL
- Study coordinator: GOLDSTEIN, ALLAN M
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.