How AHR, OVOL1, and SPINK7 affect eosinophilic esophagitis
Official title: Role of AHR, OVOL1, and SPINK7 in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Funded at Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · NIH-11103194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This work looks at how three proteins in the esophagus (AHR, OVOL1, and SPINK7) may protect people who have eosinophilic esophagitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2006 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $159,058 |
| NIH project number | 5U19AI070235-20 |
| Project ID | NIH-11103194 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with eosinophilic esophagitis—especially those willing to provide clinical information or esophageal biopsy samples, including adults and older adolescents—would be the ideal candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without EoE, those unable or unwilling to undergo endoscopy/biopsy, or those seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participating.
What this research studies
Researchers are studying how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) activates the transcription factor OVOL1, which in turn controls production of the protective protein SPINK7 in the esophagus. They will examine esophageal tissue and cell samples and use laboratory models to see how allergy-related signals like IL-4 and IL-13 shut down this protective pathway. The project combines molecular lab experiments with patient-derived samples and clinical information from people with EoE and related allergic conditions. The team aims to define what controls SPINK7 so new tests or treatments can be developed to restore esophageal barrier function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new targets or diagnostic markers to help restore the esophageal barrier and reduce inflammation for people with EoE.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier work has linked SPINK7 loss to EoE in patient samples and lab models, but targeting the AHR→OVOL1→SPINK7 pathway as a therapy is a fairly new approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
Cincinnati, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rothenberg, Marc E. — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Rothenberg, Marc E.
Related research
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How environmental signals and a receptor may protect or worsen eosinophilic esophagitis
A new NIH grant is exploring how the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) in the esophagus affects eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) and how environmental factors might influence this condition.
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A pediatric-focused study will combine biochemical, structural, and molecular signals from the esophagus to better tailor treatment for kids with eosinophilic esophagitis.
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A research project aims to understand how certain proteins protect or restore the esophageal lining in children with eosinophilic esophagitis and how this could lead to better long-lasting therapies.
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Role of 1q21 Genetic Variants in Eosinophilic Esophagitis
This project looks at how genetic differences may make some people with allergies more likely to develop eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE).
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.