How the esophagus senses stretch through the vagus nerve
Mechanisms underlying stretch-evoked activation of esophageal vagal afferents
This project explores how stretch-sensitive nerves in the esophagus send signals that affect swallowing, reflux, and esophageal pain for people with those problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11251761 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, researchers are working to find which molecular sensors and nerve channels let the esophagus feel stretching and send signals to the brain. They will look for specific stretch receptors (like Piezo channels) and study how voltage-gated sodium channels on the nerve endings and axons start and carry nerve signals. The team will use laboratory recordings and molecular tests on esophageal nerves and tissues to map where these channels act and how they change nerve activity. Results aim to explain why some people have dysphagia, excessive reflux, or esophageal pain and to point toward new treatment targets.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with chronic swallowing difficulties (dysphagia), refractory reflux/heartburn, or unexplained esophageal pain would be the most likely eventual beneficiaries and candidates for follow-on studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose symptoms are due to clear structural problems (like tumors, strictures) or who need immediate surgical correction are unlikely to benefit from this mechanistic work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new drug targets to reduce swallowing problems, reflux, or esophageal pain by altering how esophageal sensory nerves respond to stretch.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies described low- and high-threshold esophageal mechanoreceptors but have not tested Piezo channels or fully examined sodium channel roles at peripheral terminals, so this approach is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Tampa, United States
- University of South Florida — Tampa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor-Clark, Thomas Edward — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Taylor-Clark, Thomas Edward
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.