How AHR and NLRP6 affect the gut lining in colitis
Official title: AHR-NLRP6 interactions in gut barrier dysfunction and colitis
Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11401873 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work explores whether a gut microbe–derived compound called Urolithin A can strengthen the intestinal barrier and help people with inflammatory bowel disease like Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisville NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Louisville, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $567,645 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK135603-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11401873 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease), especially those with active gut barrier problems, would be the most relevant candidates for future therapies from this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without inflammatory bowel disease or whose symptoms are caused by unrelated conditions are unlikely to benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
As someone with IBD, this project focuses on how a natural compound (Urolithin A) interacts with gut cell sensors called AHR and NLRP6 to protect the intestinal lining. Researchers will use lab-grown intestinal cells and animal models of colitis to follow the AHR–NLRP6–IL-18 pathway and the downstream IL-22 signals from immune cells. They will study how these signals promote goblet cell differentiation and mucin production that form the mucus barrier. The aim is to identify steps that could be targeted to restore barrier function and reduce inflammation in people with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that strengthen the intestinal lining and reduce flares in people with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
How similar studies have gone: Prior laboratory and animal studies showed that Urolithin A can improve gut barrier function and lessen colitis, but human clinical testing of this approach remains limited.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisville
Louisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jala, Venkatakrishna Rao — University of Louisville
- Study coordinator: Jala, Venkatakrishna Rao
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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.