How the gut absorbs salt and fluid
Regulation of intestinal NaCl absorption
Researchers are looking at how proteins that move salt in the gut affect diarrhea in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Huntington Veterans Affairs Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11130917 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at why people with IBD often have persistent diarrhea by studying how the intestine absorbs sodium and chloride. The team examines immune signals such as prostaglandins and how they change transport proteins on the gut lining, including DRA, NHE3, and the sodium–glucose transporter SGLT1, using laboratory experiments and animal models that mimic IBD. Their goal is to identify which specific pathways cause coupled NaCl malabsorption so that more targeted therapies for diarrhea can be developed. The research is primarily lab- and model-based but is focused on mechanisms relevant to human IBD.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis who have chronic, troublesome diarrhea would be the most relevant group.
Not a fit: People whose diarrhea is caused by infections, medications, or non-IBD conditions may not benefit from findings that target IBD-specific salt transport pathways.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to more targeted, better-tolerated treatments for diarrhea in people with IBD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work has identified roles for transporters like DRA and NHE3 in IBD-related diarrhea, but focusing on SGLT1 and its interaction with DRA is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Huntington, United States
- Huntington Veterans Affairs Med Ctr — Huntington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sundaram, Uma — Huntington Veterans Affairs Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Sundaram, Uma
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.