How claudin-2 and dietary salt drive gut inflammation
Mechanisms and pathophysiologic impact of claudin-2 modulation
This project looks at whether changing levels of a gut protein called claudin-2 and eating more salt make intestinal inflammation worse for people with inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137596 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's viewpoint, researchers are using lab and animal experiments to see how claudin-2, a protein that forms a sodium channel in the gut lining, affects immune responses in the intestine. They give mice extra claudin-2 or remove it, feed some animals high-salt diets, and test drugs that block claudin-2 to watch effects on inflammatory cells such as Th17 and regulatory T cells. The team ties these findings to human inflammatory bowel disease because claudin-2 is often increased in people with IBD, which could explain how dietary salt worsens inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis) or others with chronic intestinal inflammation would be the most relevant patient group for related participation or future trials.
Not a fit: People without intestinal inflammatory conditions or whose disease is caused by unrelated mechanisms may not see direct benefit from findings focused on claudin-2 and salt.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments or diet recommendations that reduce gut inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease by targeting claudin-2 or salt intake.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical work in mice has shown that blocking claudin-2 reduces experimental colitis, but testing this approach in people is still limited.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Turner, Jerrold R. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Turner, Jerrold R.
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.