How the gut lining responds to helpful and harmful bacteria
Host integration of commensal and pathogenic bacterial-derived signals
This project looks at how molecules made by helpful gut bacteria teach the gut lining to defend against harmful intestinal infections, with relevance for children.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cincinnati, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11210636 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are exploring how the cells that line the intestine sense signals from both friendly and disease-causing bacteria and turn those signals into protection. The team uses a mouse model of enteric infection (Citrobacter rodentium), transgenic animals, and defined bacterial strains to trace which microbial products trigger protective responses. They also study human intestinal organoids and epigenetic changes to see how these signals act on human tissue. The goal is to identify specific bacterial metabolites that prime the gut lining to resist damage and infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people (especially children) affected by recurrent or severe bacterial gut infections or individuals willing to donate intestinal tissue for organoid-based studies.
Not a fit: People with non-bacterial gastrointestinal conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies or preventive approaches that boost the gut's natural defenses against intestinal bacterial infections.
How similar studies have performed: Prior studies show gut microbes can shape intestinal immunity, but pinpointing specific metabolites and using human organoids to prime defenses is a newer and still-developing approach.
Where this research is happening
Cincinnati, United States
- Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr — Cincinnati, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alenghat, Theresa — Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr
- Study coordinator: Alenghat, Theresa
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.