How calcium signals work in the gut's pacemaker cells
Calcium Dynamics in Interstitial Cells of Cajal
Researchers are learning how calcium messages in special gut pacemaker cells help control bowel muscle movements.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247043 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at interstitial cells of Cajal, the gut's pacemaker cells that time contractions needed for digestion and bowel movements. Scientists will examine how calcium is released and moves in these cells and how that interacts with other ion channels and pH/bicarbonate regulation. The team focuses on a transporter called SLC4A4 (NBCe1b) that may change cell activity and could link to human gut motility problems. Experiments use cell and tissue approaches and are led from the Mayo Clinic in Rochester.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with gastrointestinal motility disorders (for example gastroparesis, chronic constipation, or disorders linked to abnormal gut pacemaker activity) would be the most relevant candidates for follow-up or related clinical work.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated conditions (for example isolated inflammatory bowel disease without a motility component or non-gastrointestinal illnesses) are unlikely to directly benefit from this mechanistic work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to new ways to diagnose or treat disorders of gut motility such as gastroparesis or chronic constipation.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have identified some of the same calcium and bicarbonate mechanisms in cells and animal models, but applying these findings to human GI disease is still largely new.
Where this research is happening
Rochester, United States
- Mayo Clinic Rochester — Rochester, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farrugia, Gianrico — Mayo Clinic Rochester
- Study coordinator: Farrugia, Gianrico
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.