How RNA splicing helps gut lining cells build their functional surfaces
Developmental regulation of epithelial polarization by pre-mRNA splicing
This research looks at how RNA splicing helps intestinal cells form and sort the proteins on their apical (top) surface, which could inform treatments for gut diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237103 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's perspective, scientists are using zebrafish to watch how intestinal cells develop the specialized top surface that absorbs nutrients. They performed a genetic screen to find genes required to sort a fluorescent model protein to the apical membrane and found a pH-sensitive sorting step in subapical endosomes. The team also discovered that regulated pre-mRNA intron splicing activates transport pathways needed for correct protein delivery and for the start of apical endocytosis in developing enterocytes. Over the grant period they will define the genes and cellular steps that allow the gut lining to mature into a fully polarized, functional epithelium.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with intestinal disorders or cancers affecting the gut are the populations most likely to benefit from downstream applications, though the current project uses zebrafish rather than enrolling patients.
Not a fit: Patients with conditions unrelated to intestinal epithelial function are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic-science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the work could reveal molecular targets that lead to new diagnostics or therapies for intestinal disorders and cancers that involve epithelial polarity defects.
How similar studies have performed: Genetic and cell-biology work in model organisms has previously uncovered key rules of epithelial polarity, but the link between regulated pre-mRNA splicing and apical protein sorting is a novel finding.
Where this research is happening
Durham, United States
- Duke University — Durham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bagnat, Michel — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Bagnat, Michel
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.