How intestinal cells build their brush border
Molecular basis of brush border assembly
Researchers are learning how intestinal cells form and organize tiny finger-like projections called microvilli so people with gut conditions might benefit.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project ID | NIH-11238547 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at the proteins and steps that let enterocytes (intestinal cells) build and pack thousands of microvilli on their surface to help absorb nutrients. Scientists will use cell models, high-resolution imaging, and genetically modified mice to see how specific adhesion proteins (like CDHR2 and CDHR5) help microvilli stick together and organize. The team will compare normal and knockout models to track how microvilli accumulate during cell differentiation. Findings aim to connect basic cell mechanisms to the microvillus loss seen in some intestinal diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be people with intestinal conditions linked to damaged or malformed microvilli or those willing to provide biopsy samples for research.
Not a fit: People with conditions unrelated to intestinal lining or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the findings could point to ways to restore or protect microvilli and improve nutrient absorption in people with certain intestinal disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work from this group using cell models and CDHR2 knockout mice identified key adhesion proteins and showed loss of these proteins reduces microvilli, providing a strong foundation for the current project.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- Vanderbilt University — Nashville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tyska, Matthew J — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Tyska, Matthew J
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.