How sex hormones affect intestinal growth and health
Sex steroid signaling and adaptive growth of the intestine
This study is looking at how certain hormones that are different in men and women might affect the growth and health of the intestines, using fruit flies to learn more about how this could relate to human gut health and conditions like gastric cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Utah NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Salt Lake City, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10798208 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of sex-specific steroid hormones in regulating the growth and function of the intestine, particularly focusing on how these hormones influence non-reproductive organs. By studying the effects of a specific hormone in fruit flies, the researchers aim to understand how similar mechanisms might operate in humans, especially regarding conditions like gastric cancer. The study will explore how these hormones promote the proliferation of intestinal stem cells and the potential consequences for gut health and disease susceptibility. Through a series of experiments, the research seeks to uncover the underlying biological processes and their implications for human health.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with a predisposition to gastrointestinal diseases, particularly those with a family history of gastric cancer or related conditions.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have gastrointestinal issues or those who are not affected by sex hormone-related conditions may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new insights into how sex hormones influence intestinal health and disease, potentially improving prevention and treatment strategies for conditions like gastric cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, previous studies have shown that sex hormones can significantly impact various health conditions, suggesting potential for meaningful discoveries.
Where this research is happening
Salt Lake City, United States
- University of Utah — Salt Lake City, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Edgar, Bruce Alexander — University of Utah
- Study coordinator: Edgar, Bruce Alexander
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.