How genes and drugs may prevent bowel narrowing in Crohn's disease
Genetic and Small Molecule Regulation of Mechanisms of Crohn’s Disease Stricture Formation
Seeing if certain genes and small-molecule drugs can stop or reduce scar-like narrowing (strictures) in people with Crohn's disease.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11336357 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If you have Crohn's disease, this work looks at why some people develop scar-like narrowing of the small intestine that often needs surgery. The team grows human intestinal organoids and immune cells from stem cells and puts them together in the lab to mimic the bowel environment. They focus on human genes (DUOX2 and the NOX2 complex) that control reactive oxygen species and on small molecules picked by computer analysis to calm inflammatory cells and fibroblasts. The goal is to see which gene changes and drugs keep the tissue from becoming stiff and scarred.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Crohn's disease—especially those with ileal involvement, a history of strictures, or interest in contributing genetic samples—are the most relevant candidates to connect with this work.
Not a fit: People without Crohn's disease or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to get direct benefit from this lab-focused project right now.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to new medicines or strategies to prevent strictures and reduce the need for surgery in Crohn's disease.
How similar studies have performed: Prior genetic studies and early organoid models suggest these genes matter and organoid approaches are promising, but translating these findings into effective drugs to prevent strictures is still novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Denson, Lee Armistead — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Denson, Lee Armistead
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.