How gut cells talk with gut bacteria to keep digestion balanced
Official title: Mechanisms underlying the functional regulation of the gut microbiota by intestinal epithelial cells to maintain intestinal homeostasis
Funded at Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · NIH-11398273 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This grant looks at how intestinal cells influence gut bacteria to keep the gut healthy and minimize inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $815,589 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK141070-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11398273 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are people with inflammatory gut conditions or those at risk who could benefit from therapies that support healthy gut–bacteria interactions.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without gut inflammation or microbiome-related issues may not directly benefit from this basic mechanistic study.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how cells lining the gut communicate with the bacteria living in the intestines and how these interactions promote a balanced, inflammation-free environment. They will use mouse models to explore tiny carriers released by gut cells and how these carriers affect beneficial bacteria like LGG and other microbes. The work aims to uncover exactly what signals from the gut lining help maintain harmony between host and microbes. Findings could reveal new ways to support gut health and prevent inflammatory bowel problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could lead to new strategies to maintain intestinal health and reduce inflammation by targeting gut-cell and microbiota interactions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has shown that gut-cell signals can influence microbiota and inflammation in mice, supporting this line of inquiry.
Where this research is happening
-
Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
Salt Lake City, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: O'connell, Ryan M — Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah
- Study coordinator: O'connell, Ryan M
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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.