How telomere shortening affects gut health and disease.
Mechanisms of telomere-induced disease: Role of intestinal malabsorption, barrier dysfunction and dsybiosis.
This study is looking at how the shortening of protective ends on our DNA, called telomeres, affects the health of important gut cells that help us absorb nutrients, especially as we age or deal with certain diseases, and it aims to find out how this might lead to gut problems like inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11086689 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of telomere shortening in the gut and its impact on the health of intestinal cells, specifically enterocytes, which are crucial for nutrient absorption and maintaining the gut barrier. The study aims to understand how telomere shortening, which occurs with aging and certain diseases, leads to intestinal issues such as inflammation and atrophy. By using animal models, the researchers will explore the mechanisms behind these changes and their potential consequences for overall health. This could provide insights into how diet and genetics interact to influence gut-related diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, particularly those experiencing accelerated telomere shortening.
Not a fit: Patients without any gastrointestinal disorders or those not experiencing telomere shortening may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new strategies for preventing or treating intestinal diseases linked to telomere shortening.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the role of telomeres in various diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
Houston, United States
- Baylor College of Medicine — Houston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sahin, Ergun — Baylor College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Sahin, Ergun
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.