How connective-tissue cells help the bladder lining work
Role of fibroblasts in bladder mucosal function
This project looks at how special connective-tissue cells under the bladder lining help the bladder regain its shape and send fullness signals for people with stiff or fibrotic bladders.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11257281 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use advanced live imaging and targeted cell removal in mice to watch small fibroblast cells just under the bladder lining and see how they change the collagen folds after peeing. They will measure how these cells contract, follow attached nerve endings, and record nerve activity as the bladder surface unfolds. The team will combine microscopy, molecular markers for actin and myosin, and toxin-based cell ablation to link cell behavior to bladder emptying and sensation. Results aim to explain why some conditions lead to an underactive or stiff bladder and point to cellular targets for future treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with bladder conditions that cause stiffness or fibrosis—such as neurogenic bladder, bladder outlet obstruction, underactive bladder, or radiation cystitis—would be most relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients whose urinary problems are caused by active infections, kidney disease, or non-bladder pelvic conditions would be unlikely to benefit directly from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new cellular targets to restore bladder flexibility and sensation in people with fibrotic or underactive bladders.
How similar studies have performed: Basic animal studies have identified bladder fibroblasts and linked them to function, but translating these findings into human treatments is still early and largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Pittsburgh, United States
- University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh — Pittsburgh, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carattino, Marcelo Daniel — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Carattino, Marcelo Daniel
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.