How gut bacteria influence special intestinal cells
Epigenetic regulation of intestinal tuft cells
This project explores how gut bacteria communicate with special cells in your intestine to keep it healthy.
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-11143207 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Our intestines have special cells called tuft cells that act like sensors, responding to signals from the bacteria living in our gut. These tuft cells play a key role in starting immune responses to keep our intestines healthy. This project aims to understand how these gut bacteria communicate with tuft cells, specifically looking at how they can turn genes on or off in these cells, a process called epigenetics. By studying this communication, we hope to learn how the gut environment influences the development and function of tuft cells.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational work does not involve direct patient participation, but future studies building on these findings may seek individuals with intestinal health conditions.
Not a fit: Patients not experiencing intestinal health issues or those with conditions unrelated to gut immunity may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to understand and treat intestinal diseases by targeting how gut bacteria influence our immune system.
How similar studies have performed: While previous work has shown links between gut bacteria, epigenetics, and intestinal health, this project explores novel hypotheses about tuft cell regulation.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alenghat, Theresa — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Alenghat, Theresa
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.