How secretory cells in the intestine form and function
Transcriptional control and enhancer recruitment in mouse and human intestinal secretory differentiation
['FUNDING_R01'] · DANA-FARBER CANCER INST · NIH-11286781
This work looks at how gut stem cells make different secretory cells so we can better understand gut health and disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | DANA-FARBER CANCER INST (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11286781 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers track early secretory cell development in mice and grow human gut stem cells in the lab to watch how they become goblet, enteroendocrine, Paneth, or tuft cells. They use single-cell gene and enhancer mapping to identify which transcription factors and DNA elements turn on specific cell programs. By capturing labeled mouse cells directly from the gut and differentiating large numbers of human intestinal stem–like cells in two-dimensional cultures, they study intermediate precursor states that were previously hard to isolate. The combined mouse and human approaches aim to reveal the regulatory switches that set secretory cell identity.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who might be involved are those willing to donate small intestinal tissue or surgical/biopsy samples through hospitals or research tissue programs.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate new therapies or personal clinical benefit are unlikely to benefit directly because the work is basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could point to ways to restore or protect the gut lining and guide new treatments for digestive and barrier disorders.
How similar studies have performed: Past mouse genetic studies have clarified some secretory lineages, but coupling detailed enhancer mapping with human stem-cell models is a more recent and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- DANA-FARBER CANCER INST — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHIVDASANI, RAMESH A — DANA-FARBER CANCER INST
- Study coordinator: SHIVDASANI, RAMESH A
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.