How intestinal viruses hijack calcium signals
Enteric virus exploitation of calcium signaling
['FUNDING_R01'] · BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11127727
Finding out how rotavirus changes calcium signals in intestinal cells and nearby cells, which can lead to diarrhea in young children.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (HOUSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11127727 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers at Baylor study how rotavirus triggers intercellular calcium waves by releasing ADP that activates P2Y1 receptors on neighboring intestinal cells. They use lab-grown human intestinal cells, animal models, and molecular tests to measure calcium signals, serotonin and chloride secretion, and immune responses. The team tests whether blocking the ADP/P2Y1 pathway or related signaling reduces virus replication, fluid secretion, and viral shedding. Results could point to drug targets to prevent or lessen rotavirus diarrhea.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants would be children with recent rotavirus gastroenteritis or people willing to provide stool or intestinal tissue samples for research.
Not a fit: Patients whose diarrhea is caused by non-viral conditions or chronic gastrointestinal diseases unrelated to rotavirus are unlikely to benefit directly.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that reduce rotavirus replication and the diarrhea it causes in children by targeting calcium-signaling pathways.
How similar studies have performed: Prior lab studies, including preliminary work from this group, showed blocking the P2Y1-mediated calcium waves can reduce rotavirus shedding and related secretions in cells and models, but clinical treatments are not yet established.
Where this research is happening
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES
- BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — HOUSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HYSER, JOSEPH M. — BAYLOR COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: HYSER, JOSEPH M.
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.