How sulfites affect colon cell health in children with ulcerative colitis
Dysregulation of Epithelial Metabolism and Regeneration by Sulfite Exposure in Pediatric Ulcerative Colitis
This research looks at whether common dietary sulfites damage colon stem cells and their mitochondria in children with ulcerative colitis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11381300 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will use colon tissue from children to grow patient-derived mini-colons (organoids) and expose them to sulfites seen in foods. They will compare organoids from children with ulcerative colitis to those from children without the disease to see differences in mitochondrial function and cell renewal. The team will also study gene activity (including the Mocs1 gene) and chromatin sites that may make some children more vulnerable to sulfite harm. Findings aim to reveal how a common food preservative could influence colon lining repair in pediatric UC.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Children with ulcerative colitis who can provide colon tissue during routine colonoscopy or surgery, and possibly pediatric controls, would be ideal contributors for tissue donation.
Not a fit: Adults, people without colon tissue available for donation, or patients whose care does not involve tissue sampling are unlikely to directly benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to dietary changes or new protective strategies to help preserve the colon barrier in children with UC.
How similar studies have performed: Preliminary lab data and transcriptome analyses suggest sulfites harm colon mitochondria and that Mocs1 is downregulated in pediatric UC, but translating these findings to clinical guidance is still novel and not yet proven.
Where this research is happening
Birmingham, United States
- University of Alabama at Birmingham — Birmingham, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ojo, Babajide — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Ojo, Babajide
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.