Healing of bowel wounds using special cells from the anal region
Official title: Colonic epithelial wound healing by anal transitional cells
Funded at University of Chicago · NIH-11085153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at special cells in the anal area that might help heal bowel wounds for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), with the hope of finding new ways to improve treatments for better healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $564,004 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135954-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, particularly those experiencing bowel epithelial wounds.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to bowel wound healing or those who do not have inflammatory bowel disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how specific cells located at the anal transitional zone can aid in the healing of wounds in the bowel, particularly for patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The study focuses on understanding the unique properties of these cells, which can migrate into the colon and form new epithelial structures that promote healing. By exploring the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved, the research aims to identify new therapeutic pathways for enhancing bowel mucosal healing. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to innovative treatments for IBD.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that directly promote bowel wound healing for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using anal transitional zone cells for bowel healing is novel, similar research has shown promise in understanding wound healing mechanisms in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Cambrian Yangshao — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Liu, Cambrian Yangshao
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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.