How gut support cells react to surgery and cause slow bowel recovery
Official title: Enteric Glial Mechanotransduction and Mechanical Stress Induced Postoperative Ileus
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11252569 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project looks at whether calming a gut-supporting cell's response to mechanical stress can prevent the slow bowel recovery (postoperative ileus) some patients have after intestinal surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $524,837 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK141842-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11252569 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People undergoing intestinal surgery (for example, colectomy patients) who are at risk for prolonged postoperative ileus would be the most relevant candidates for future clinical trials based on this work.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-surgical bowel disorders or those not having abdominal operations are unlikely to directly benefit from this project.
What this research studies
Researchers will study how enteric glial cells (the gut's support cells) sense physical handling or stress during surgery and trigger signals that slow intestinal movement. They will use genetically modified mice that lack the Piezo-1 mechanosensor or connexin channels, lab tests of isolated nerve networks, and human gut tissue collected before and after surgery. The team will measure signaling molecules, mitochondrial function, and gut motility and will test whether blocking these pathways reduces postoperative ileus. By combining animal models with human specimens, the work aims to make findings more relevant to patients who have intestinal operations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets or treatments to shorten recovery and reduce complications after bowel surgery.
How similar studies have gone: This is a novel approach supported by strong preliminary animal and lab data implicating Piezo-1/Cx43 signaling, but it has not yet been proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christofi, Fedias Leontiou — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Christofi, Fedias Leontiou
Related research
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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.