How bladder lining cells develop and heal
Transcriptional regulation of urothelial differentiation and cell type specification during homeostasis and regeneration
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11380495
This project looks at how bladder lining cells change during normal life and after infections to help people with bladder and urinary tract problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11380495 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Scientists are studying how genes control the bladder’s lining (urothelium) during normal conditions and when it repairs after urinary tract infections. They will analyze patient urine and tissue samples, run genetic studies (GWAS) and chromatin accessibility tests (ATAC‑seq), and characterize the urinary microbiome and iron handling that shape infection outcomes. Some experiments use lab models to test mechanisms while other work enrolls patients with lower urinary tract dysfunction to provide samples and clinical data. The combined human and preclinical approach aims to reveal pathways that could be used for genetic testing or new treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are people with lower urinary tract dysfunction (such as recurrent UTIs, incontinence, obstruction, or pelvic floor prolapse) or volunteers willing to provide urine or tissue samples for research.
Not a fit: People without bladder or urinary tract conditions or those needing immediate clinical care are unlikely to receive direct benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to genetic tests and new treatments to prevent or repair bladder lining damage, reduce recurrent UTIs, and improve urinary symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Related genetic, microbiome, and chromatin studies have helped in other fields, but combining GWAS, ATAC‑seq, and urinary microbiome analysis for urothelial repair is a relatively new approach.
Where this research is happening
NEW YORK, UNITED STATES
- COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — NEW YORK, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MENDELSOHN, CATHY LEE — COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: MENDELSOHN, CATHY LEE
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.
Conditions: Bladder Cancer