How nerve cells in the gut help protect against harmful bacteria
Nociceptor neuron regulation of gastrointestinal barrier protection and host defense
This study is looking at how special nerve cells in your gut help keep it healthy and protect you from bad bacteria, which could help people with autoimmune issues and gut problems understand how nerve signals affect their condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10746804 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of nociceptor neurons, which are specialized nerve cells in the gastrointestinal tract, in maintaining gut health and protecting against harmful bacteria. The study aims to understand how these neurons communicate with gut epithelial cells to enhance barrier function and host defense. By using advanced genetic and molecular techniques, researchers will explore the mechanisms by which these neurons respond to harmful stimuli and regulate gut physiology. Patients may benefit from insights into how gut nerve signaling can influence autoimmune conditions and gastrointestinal disorders.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from autoimmune conditions or gastrointestinal disorders.
Not a fit: Patients with non-autoimmune gastrointestinal issues or those without any gastrointestinal symptoms may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that enhance gut barrier function and improve outcomes for patients with autoimmune and gastrointestinal diseases.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of nerve signaling in gut health, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Harvard Medical School — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chiu, Isaac Ming-Cheng — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Chiu, Isaac Ming-Cheng
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.