How Diet Influences Gut Immunity
Dietary modulation of Paneth cells
This research explores how a Western diet impacts the gut's natural defenses, particularly in people who are overweight or 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 ID | NIH-11126742 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that obesity can weaken the gut's natural defenses, and our previous work has shown this in overweight and obese patients. This research explores how a Western diet, particularly its fructose content, might lead to problems with special gut cells called Paneth cells, which are crucial for immunity. We are working to understand the exact cellular and molecular changes that occur and if these dietary effects on Paneth cells can be reversed. Our goal is to uncover how diet impacts gut stem cells and Paneth cell health to help develop new ways to support gut immunity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant to individuals who are overweight or obese and may experience issues with their gut's natural defenses.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have obesity or related gut immunity issues may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new dietary strategies or treatments to improve gut immunity and overall health for people who are overweight or obese.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work by this team has shown a link between Western diet, obesity, and Paneth cell defects in both patients and animal models, suggesting a promising foundation for this work.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liu, Ta-Chiang — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Liu, Ta-Chiang
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.