How diet affects gut immune cells
Official title: Dietary modulation of Paneth cells
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10912012 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how eating a Western diet, especially foods high in fructose, affects special cells in our gut that help keep us healthy, and it aims to find ways to improve gut health for people who are obese.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $542,456 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136829-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912012 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are obese individuals experiencing gut immunity dysfunction.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not obese or do not have gut immunity issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the impact of dietary choices, particularly a Western diet, on the function of Paneth cells, which play a crucial role in gut immunity. It aims to understand how long-term consumption of certain dietary components, like fructose, can lead to defects in these cells and affect overall gut health. By studying both human patients and animal models, the research seeks to uncover the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind these changes. The ultimate goal is to inform dietary interventions that could restore gut immunity in obese individuals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to dietary recommendations that improve gut health and immune function in obese patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that dietary modifications can positively influence gut health, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Ta-Chiang — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Ta-Chiang
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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.