How a sugar-tag system in gut cells helps protect the intestine
Intestinal O-GlcNAc signaling and mucosal host defense
This project tests whether a natural 'sugar tag' process inside intestinal cells helps the gut expel parasitic worms and calm allergic or inflammatory reactions for people with gut infections or inflammatory/allergic gut conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Minnesota NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Minneapolis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11250137 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are studying a molecular 'sugar tag' called O-GlcNAc that changes proteins inside cells lining the intestine. They will look at how this tagging affects key immune-signaling proteins (like STAT6), special gut cells (tuft and goblet cells), and signals (IL-25, IL-33) that drive type 2 immune responses and tissue repair. Experiments will use laboratory models to see how these changes influence the ability to clear parasitic worms and control mucosal inflammation. The work aims to link these cellular mechanisms to processes that protect the gut and limit allergic or autoimmune-like inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This grant is preclinical lab research rather than a patient treatment trial, but it is most relevant to people with intestinal parasitic infections or with allergic or inflammatory conditions of the gut.
Not a fit: People seeking an immediate treatment or clinical therapy are unlikely to receive direct benefit because the project focuses on basic biological mechanisms in the lab.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could point to new ways to boost gut defenses against parasites and to reduce allergic or inflammatory gut conditions.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies support roles for tuft cells and type 2 responses in clearing worms, but connecting O-GlcNAc modification of STAT6 to these outcomes is a newer, less-tested idea.
Where this research is happening
Minneapolis, United States
- University of Minnesota — Minneapolis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ruan, Hai-Bin — University of Minnesota
- Study coordinator: Ruan, Hai-Bin
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.