How gut muscle cells sense and respond to force
Mechanotransduction in Intestinal Smooth Muscle Cells
['FUNDING_R01'] · MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER · NIH-11086135
This project looks at how muscle cells in the intestines sense mechanical forces to help people with digestive motility problems.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11086135 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
I would like to understand how the muscles in my gut detect stretching and pressure because that sensing helps control normal movement of food. Researchers will study intestinal smooth muscle cells using lab experiments on cells and animal models to find which ion channels open when cells feel force. The team builds on earlier work that uncovered mechanosensitive pathways in other muscle types and will test whether similar channels drive the gut’s myogenic reflex. Results will guide possible drug targets to correct abnormal gut muscle contractions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic gastrointestinal motility problems—such as visceral myopathies, intestinal pseudo-obstruction, gastroparesis, or post-infectious dysmotility—are most likely to be relevant to this research.
Not a fit: Patients with unrelated digestive issues like simple acid reflux or purely structural blockages without muscle dysfunction are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could identify new drug targets to treat chronic gut motility disorders such as pseudo-obstruction and post-infectious dysmotility.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies in vascular smooth muscle and earlier cycles of this research program have identified mechanosensitive ion channels and suggested targets, but translating those findings specifically to intestinal smooth muscle remains an emerging area.
Where this research is happening
ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES
- MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER — ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: FARRUGIA, GIANRICO — MAYO CLINIC ROCHESTER
- Study coordinator: FARRUGIA, GIANRICO
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.