How mechanical forces affect gut stem cells in fruit flies
Official title: Mechanical regulation of intestine stem cell-mediated tissue homeostasis in Drosophila
Funded at Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester · NIH-11092090 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how the movement of food in the gut affects the behavior of stem cells in the intestines, using fruit flies to learn more about how these forces help keep our gut healthy, which could lead to better understanding and treatment of gut problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Worcester, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $368,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136013-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11092090 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing gastrointestinal issues or those interested in gut health.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with no gastrointestinal concerns or those outside the age range of 21+ may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how mechanical forces, such as those generated by food movement in the gut, influence the behavior of intestine stem cells. Using the adult fruit fly's midgut as a model, the study aims to understand the role of shear stress in maintaining gut health and homeostasis. The researchers will explore how these mechanical signals activate specific cellular pathways that are crucial for gut cell replenishment and overall gut function. Insights gained could help in understanding gastrointestinal disorders and improving gut health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for treating gastrointestinal disorders and improving gut health.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of studying mechanical forces in gut stem cells is novel, related research has shown success in understanding gut physiology and its implications for health.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
Worcester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xiang, Yang — Univ of Massachusetts Med Sch Worcester
- Study coordinator: Xiang, Yang
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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.