How sex differences in a specific enzyme affect radiation damage in the gastrointestinal system
Official title: Sex-differences in ACE2 Regulate Normal Tissue Toxicity During Gastrointestinal Acute Radiation Syndrome
Funded at Medical College of Wisconsin · NIH-11120957 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how being male or female affects how the body reacts to radiation damage in the gut, focusing on a specific enzyme called ACE2, to find better ways to help people recover from radiation exposure.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical College of Wisconsin NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | June 18, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $535,440 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI183904-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120957 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals who have been exposed to radiation and are experiencing gastrointestinal complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to radiation or do not have gastrointestinal issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how biological sex influences the body's response to gastrointestinal acute radiation syndrome (GI-ARS), focusing on the enzyme ACE2. The study aims to understand why adult male rats are more susceptible to GI-ARS compared to females, exploring the role of ACE2 and its regulation by estrogen. By examining these differences, the research seeks to identify potential treatments that could improve recovery from radiation exposure. The findings could lead to sex-specific medical countermeasures for radiation injuries.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients affected by radiation exposure, particularly in developing sex-specific therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown that understanding sex differences in biological responses can lead to significant advancements in treatment strategies, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical College of Wisconsin
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Himburg, Heather a — Medical College of Wisconsin
- Study coordinator: Himburg, Heather 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.