How mechanical stress affects tissue changes in Crohn's disease
Official title: Pathogenic Role of Mechanical Stress in Fibrosis and Tissue Remodeling in Crohn's Disease
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-10549370 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how physical stress on the intestines might lead to complications in people with Crohn's disease, especially the narrowing of the intestines, and it hopes to find new ways to treat this issue beyond just using anti-inflammatory medications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | April 21, 2020 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $355,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK124611-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10549370 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with severe Crohn's disease who experience complications such as strictures.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild Crohn's disease or those who do not experience strictures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of mechanical stress in the development of fibrosis and tissue remodeling in patients with Crohn's disease. It focuses on understanding how mechanical forces contribute to stricture formation, which is a common complication in severe cases of the disease. By using a rodent model, the researchers are examining the biological responses in colon smooth muscle cells to mechanical stress, aiming to identify potential new treatment targets beyond traditional anti-inflammatory approaches.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies that prevent or reduce stricture formation in Crohn's disease, improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on mechanical stress in Crohn's disease is relatively novel, similar approaches in understanding tissue remodeling have shown promise in other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Xuan-Zheng Peter — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Shi, Xuan-Zheng Peter
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Investigating intestinal fibrosis and inflammation in Crohn's Disease using advanced imaging techniques
This study is looking at a new way to help doctors better understand Crohn's Disease by using a special tool to see signs of inflammation and scarring in the intestines, which can help tell if a patient needs medication or surgery, ultimately aiming to improve treatment and health for those living with the condition.
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Investigating the role of gut bacteria and genetics in Crohn's disease complications.
This study is looking at how the bacteria in your gut, your genes, and fat around your intestines can affect scarring in Crohn's disease, and it aims to create a way to spot patients who might be at higher risk for complications or flare-ups after surgery, with the hope of finding better treatments to help manage this
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Site-specific gene-microbial interactions in children with Crohn’s disease
A child-focused study explores how genes and gut microbes interact in very young children with Crohn’s disease to understand why the disease starts and how it might be treated.
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Ultrasound markers to measure Crohn’s disease activity
A Mayo Clinic team is testing new 3D ultrasound methods to reliably track inflammation and scarring in Crohn’s disease using safe, affordable imaging that could replace more costly scans.
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Understanding abnormal sugar building blocks in Crohn’s disease to guide smarter therapies
This project looks at how a specific genetic variation affects how Crohn’s disease works and whether targeting that pathway could lead to new treatments.
-
AI and single-cell tests to predict Crohn's disease course in children
This project uses artificial intelligence plus single-cell and other molecular data to predict which children and teens with Crohn's disease will have mild versus severe or treatment‑resistant disease.
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.