How colon cell metabolism and gut microbes drive colon aging and inflammation
Metabolic Regulation of Colonic Senescence and Pathological Implications: Epithelial and Microbial Interactions
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · NIH-11290312
This research looks at how changes in colon cell metabolism and interactions with gut microbes cause cell aging and inflammation that can worsen inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHICAGO, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11290312 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From your perspective, the team is studying why colon cells stop dividing and begin sending out inflammatory signals when their metabolism changes, focusing on a molecule called acetyl-CoA. They will use mouse models and analyze colon tissue from people with inflammatory bowel disease to see how aged cells and gut microbes interact. The researchers will measure metabolites, markers of cellular aging, and inflammatory molecules to map the chain of events. Their experiments aim to reveal targets that could someday prevent or reduce chronic colon inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis or Crohn's) or chronic colon inflammation would be most relevant for this work.
Not a fit: People without colon inflammation or unrelated health issues are unlikely to see direct benefits from this project in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new treatments that reduce colon inflammation by fixing cell metabolism or changing microbial interactions.
How similar studies have performed: Some animal studies and analyses of patient samples have linked senescent cells to inflammation, but metabolic interventions to treat human IBD remain largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
CHICAGO, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO — CHICAGO, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LI, YAN CHUN — UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- Study coordinator: LI, YAN CHUN
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.